On September 28th, 2024, Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School, Jinja, hosted an impactful and highly anticipated Physics seminar centered on Uganda’s new lower secondary Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This progressive educational framework focuses on cultivating analytical and critical thinking abilities in students. The seminar attracted a wide array of participants, including students and teachers from several schools across eastern Uganda and beyond, reflecting its importance in shaping the educational landscape of the region.
Renowned Facilitators Elevate the Seminar’s Impact
The seminar featured celebrated educationists and senior Physics examiners, Mr. Bamulazeki Paul and Mr. Etetu Jacob, whose vast experience in teaching and evaluating Physics brought invaluable insights to the participants. Their expertise in implementing the CBC framework enabled attendees to grasp the practical applications and methodologies essential for excelling in this system.
Focus on Competency-Based Learning
The CBC is a forward-thinking approach designed to shift learners from traditional content-based education to competency-based learning, emphasizing critical skills such as:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Collaboration
These core competencies empower students to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of academic concepts and their applications.
During his detailed session, Mr. Bamulazeki Paul delved into effective strategies for tackling scenario-based questions—a cornerstone of the CBC assessments. These questions challenge students to apply their knowledge in practical situations, demanding clarity of thought, systematic reasoning, and the ability to relate academic theories to everyday challenges.
Interactive Learning and Collaboration
The seminar was highly interactive, with students actively participating in discussions and engaging in problem-solving exercises. Teachers, too, gained critical insights into preparing their students for CBC-aligned assessments. This collaborative environment enabled both students and educators to better adapt to the demands of competency-based education.
Participants were particularly appreciative of the hands-on guidance provided by the facilitators. As final exams draw closer in October, the strategies shared during the seminar are expected to boost students’ confidence and equip them with the skills necessary for academic success.
Wide Regional Participation
The seminar welcomed students and teachers from prominent schools in eastern Uganda, including Jinja College, Kigulu College, and Nyenge Seminary, as well as participants from neighboring districts such as Iganga and Kamuli. The diverse attendance underscores the growing national interest in mastering the CBC and highlights Holy Cross Lake View SSS’s pivotal role as a regional hub for academic excellence.
Paving the Way for Academic Success
This seminar represents a significant milestone in empowering students and teachers to navigate the challenges of the CBC. By emphasizing practical application and real-world problem-solving, the CBC equips learners with skills that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing them for both academic and life challenges.
The unwavering commitment of Holy Cross Lake View SSS to fostering such transformative initiatives reaffirms its position as a leader in innovative and student-centered education. As October approaches, the students who attended this seminar are expected to face their exams with heightened preparedness and confidence, ready to demonstrate their mastery of the CBC framework.