On a serene Sunday morning, April 13, 2024, Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School became the vibrant epicenter of biology education in Uganda as it hosted the National Biology Teachers’ Workshop. Organized by the Association of Biology Educators (ABE), the event brought together an impressive assembly of 165 biology teachers from various districts, including Hoima, Arua, Mityana, Kyotera, and Kapelebyong, each eager to deepen their understanding of the New Lower Secondary Curriculum and its assessment standards.
With the school grounds bustling with excitement and camaraderie, educators from all corners of Uganda gathered at Holy Cross Lake View, ABE’s official headquarters, to participate in a workshop designed to address the evolving needs of biology education. The day’s program focused on equipping teachers with the tools and knowledge required to assess student competencies effectively under the new Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The workshop’s agenda was thoughtfully crafted to address critical components of the curriculum, and participants had the privilege of learning directly from esteemed officials representing the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), and ABE itself. Each organization contributed expertise and insight into essential topics such as item setting, content framework, scoring guidelines, and project-based assessments. By offering a multi-faceted approach to curriculum assessment, the workshop sought to build teachers’ confidence and skills, ensuring that they return to their schools better prepared to support student success.
Today marks an important milestone in our journey to elevate biology education across the nation, said Mr. Okello Jimmy,
UNEB’s Biology subject specialist and the event’s chief guest. “This workshop gives teachers the hands-on skills and frameworks necessary to implement the Competence-Based Curriculum in a way that truly enhances learning. As educators, our goal is to create environments where students actively demonstrate their knowledge, not just through exams, but through real-world applications.”
Mr. Okello’s address resonated deeply with the educators in attendance, who were keen to understand the intricacies of competence-based learning and how it might transform their classrooms. Throughout the day, teachers engaged in practical demonstrations, discussions, and peer-led sessions, each designed to demystify the assessment process and offer hands-on guidance for evaluating student projects, performance tasks, and analytical skills.
Participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to Holy Cross Lake View for hosting and organizing the workshop, noting the school’s warm hospitality and commitment to advancing educational standards in Uganda. “This workshop has been incredibly valuable,” remarked one participant from Mityana District. “We’ve gained practical skills that will allow us to align our assessment practices with the Competence-Based Curriculum, making our teaching more impactful.”
The Head Teacher and the school’s Biology Department received special acknowledgment from the ABE officials and participants alike for orchestrating such a professional and enlightening event. Their efforts ensured that attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in their ability to support biology students’ learning journeys.
This workshop reflects Holy Cross Lake View’s dedication to educational excellence, shared Emmanuel Ijonai, a biology teacher at the host school.
“We look forward to future workshops that continue to deepen our understanding and implementation of the Competence-Based Curriculum, ultimately benefiting both educators and students alike.”
As the event concluded, teachers departed with a wealth of new knowledge, inspired to bring fresh perspectives and enhanced assessment strategies to their classrooms. The National Biology Teachers’ Workshop was more than a gathering; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of equipping educators to adapt and thrive in the evolving educational landscape.
Emmanuel Ijonai
Biology Teacher