Now, pertaining the new grading system, only 2 compulsory subjects, and any other 5 best-performed subjects counts when it comes to computation of KCSE mean grade for Form Four candidates. It is Mathematics for numeracy. Then, English or Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL) for literacy. Ideally, the old grading system also focused on 7 subjects in computation of KCSE mean grade. Albeit, there were 5 compulsory subjects — Mathematics, English, Kiswahili and 2 Sciences. In most schools, Chemistry emerged as the compulsory Science. Therefore, students undertaking two Sciences went for either Biology and Chemistry or Physics and Chemistry.
Zounds! As a career educator, my nation-wide observation is this: the new grading system is making some students to toy with Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Some are joking with Sciences, while oblivious that their despair or attitude of finitude, lassitude and hebetude, towards Sciences; may dent their career options and prospects in future. No wonder, when students are selecting subjects in lower forms or preparing to sit and write KCSE exams, we should strive to make them understand; there is the new grading system, but subject cluster for courses remain extant.
Advisedly, The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS define the subject cluster as a set of 4 KCSE subjects that a Form Four candidate must have sat for in order to be eligible for a particular university or college programme. For instance, the cluster subjects for any Health Science course include: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics or English or Kiswahili. Therefore, a student that sat for three Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) has an upper hand on career choices. Consequently, it is instructive to note: Some branches of Medicine at fellowship stage require basics of Physics. For example, Radiology and Optometry. Then, when we talk of Mathematics or Physics, it does not imply that a student can fail and fall flat in Mathematics, but be saved by Physics. It should never be lost on students that Mathematics is a compulsory subject. So, for qualification for any degree course, a C+ (plus) and above in Mathematics is worth it.
Moreover, universities have different cluster requirements for courses. It is higher in city-based campuses due to high demand. Meaning, more students express intense interest to study in those universities. Advisedly, students do not matriculate into universities simply because they have met the cut-off point — C+ (plus) of 46 points and above. Too true, KUCCPS will place them in courses of choice: Only after meeting the raft of requirements. Largely, compulsory subjects and Sciences are the nub of most clusters. Humanities and Technical subjects are complementary in nature.
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For instance, think of Medicine — a glamour-tinged course. Students dreaming of pursuing it should read and evince excellence in Biology, Chemistry, English or Kiswahili and Mathematics of Physics. So, for Medicine, and other medical-related courses such as Clinical Medicine and Nursing, students must manifest at their best in Sciences. Conversely, in any Engineering course, Mathematics and Physics are stand-alone. Although, a branch of Engineering such as Chemical or Industrial Engineering require Chemistry as a Science. English or Kiswahili as languages will count. Furthermore, some Agriculture courses require Biology. Moreover, in order to pursue a business course like Accounting, any technical subject can count. It must not be Business Studies. More importantly, the student must score at least a C+ (plus) in Mathematics.
Finally, the two languages — English and Kiswahili — are important. It is wrong for a student to give up on any of the languages because after all only one language will determine the mean grade. Like in Law, KUCCPS says that the student should excel in English — score more, at least a B (plain), Mathematics, a Science (e.g. Biology) and best Humanity (CRE, IRE, HRE, Geography or History and Government). I prefer History and Government because it introduces students to historical facts. The early exposure is worth it. For in English we say, the early bird catches the worm. For instance, there is a topic called Constitution. While practising Law as a career, the lawyer will rely on the Constitution as the main reference, alongside other documents such as Acts of Parliament.
Therefore, as I conclude, students should stop asking us funny questions such as: Is Mathematics needed in Law? Such a pesky question is risky. It hints that a student has given up on Mathematics. Yet, all students should develop a winning attitude towards Mathematics and languages because they are compulsory subjects. They are core-career subjects. By the same token, careers like Journalism or Mass Communication that abut on communication ability, may require a student to show some shine and sheen in either English or Kiswahili. Albeit, when it comes to its practice, proficiency and profundity in both English and Kiswahili; including mother-tongue, makes the graduate to be more marketable in the dynamic world of work.
The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices.
By Victor Ochieng’
vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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