The just released results for the 2017 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Examinations (UACE) have pointed to a worrying performance in Science subjects.
The examinations body said that the general performance declined and that there was noticeable drops in the performance in Sciences, with an average of 50% of the candidates unable to obtain a Principal pass.
UNEB partly attributed the poor grades in Sciences to insufficient practical experience and the poor proficiency in the English language which is used to examine the candidates.
“The evidence was seen in the ability to follow instructions while carrying out the practical tests and the quality of answers given in questions that needed descriptions or explanations of procedures,” UNEB Executive Secretary, Dan Odongo said on Wednesday after releasing the 2017 UACE results.
While the grades remain low, the number of students taking Science combinations equally remains neglible while the bulk of them opt for Arts subjects.
According to Odongo, there are fewer female entries in Mathematics and other Science subjects at A’Level compared to male students.
“Whereas Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are compulsory subjects at UCE level, the number of students who opt for combinations at UACE with Sciences is still low,” Odongo.
The Minister of Education, Janet Museveni, in her remarks delivered by State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo, expressed concern over the low entries in Sciences which she said could have a negative impact on Uganda’s plans to advance in science and technology.
She blamed science teachers for dwelling more on theoretical instruction while practicals are given less attention.
“According to UNEB, there is a disconnect in the teaching of Sciences. Theory is taught first to cover the syllabus and practicals are taught later. This method of teaching is very ineffective and does not prepare students for future careers in Science based courses,” the Minister said.
The UACE performance, particularly for Sciences has raised questions on whether government’s decision to make Science subjects mandatory in O’Level as a way of setting a base for Uganda’s science development will yield the desired results.
However, the Ministry of Education says that it is pushing for integration of a model where teaching of Sciences will have a practical component right from Senior One as opposed to the current system where practical lessons start from Senior Three.
The Commissioner for Secondary Education Standards at the Ministry, Baritazale Benson Kule said that soon, it will also be mandatory for Science teachers to undergo the in-service training under the Secondary Science and Mathematics Teachers’ Programme (SESEMAT).