RUNDOWN
• Main subjects are English, mathematics, pre-technical studies, Kiswahili, integrated science, social studies, business studies, agriculture and religious education.
• The learners are choosing a maximum of two out of seven subjects, including visual arts, performing arts, home science, computer science, a foreign language Kenyan Sign Language and indigenous language.

Learners in Grade Seven, who began their junior secondary education this week, are studying more subjects and will be assessed differently compared to their 8-4-4 counterparts in Standard Seven.

The 1.2 million students in Junior Secondary School (JSS) are studying 12 core subjects and two optional subjects, unlike the five for the Standard Seven pupils.

These 12 main subjects are English, mathematics, pre-technical studies, Kiswahili, integrated science, social studies, business studies, agriculture and religious education. Other lessons are health education, sports and physical education, and life skills.

Charles Ong’ondo Chief Executive Officer Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) said the learners are choosing a maximum of two out of seven subjects, including visual arts, performing arts, home science, computer science, a foreign language (German, French, Arabic, Mandarin), Kenyan Sign Language and indigenous language.

“Unlike what has been stated, even in the 8-4-4, Forms One and Two students take up to 12 subjects until they get to Form Three where they can take a minimum of seven and a maximum of eight subjects,” said Prof Ong’ondo.

Headteachers in most schools have singled out teachers with degrees to teach in JSS. The teachers have been downloading materials and using both their personal and institutional digital gadgets to teach students.

By Jane Kibathi.