It is a popular misconception in Kenya that the British curriculum or National Curriculum of England is a piece of cake; at least compared to our system (8-4-4- which is set to change) which was based on the curriculum.
The idea that the “British system” is the easy way out
cannot be further from the truth Students who come to GEMS from other systems
and topped national examinations do need a lot of extra attention when they
join, to transition to NCE. However, it is not a burdensome system and focuses
on quality of work rather than quantity.
The British curriculum is definitely very well respected all
over the world for its quality and focus on the wholesome development of the
child. The system is definitely ‘scholarly’ but balances the academic and
pastoral life of students very well.
HOW DOES THE BRITISH CURRICULUM WORK?
There are 5 Key stages; Early years and foundation stage for
2 - 5 year olds. Key Stage 1 for years 1,2,3, Key Stage 2 for years 4,5,6 which
ends Primary Education. Key Stage 3 starts the Secondary for years 7,8, and 9, Key
Stage 4 for years 10 & 11, and finally Key Stage 5 which is Years 12 & 13.
In Primary, the Core Subjects are English, Mathematics and
Science
In addition to the core subjects, there is an emphasis on the development of other skills e.g. leadership, IT, creativity, social, etc.
Students who go through this system ‘explore’ the world from a very young age
and are very aware of not just their local surroundings but of global
circumstances as well.
Students take progression tests (set by schools) before they
advance to the next year. In years 6 and 9, there are “Checkpoints’ (set by
external examiners) where the students take tests whose results are analyzed by
the respective exam bodies to ensure they are progressing according to
international benchmarks.
At the end of Year 11 they take their IGCSEs (International
General Certificate of Secondary Education), followed by AS (Advanced
Subsidiary) at the end of Year 12 and A (Advanced) level exams at Year 13. In
some schools (like GEMS) students can opt for the BTEC Diploma (a career-based
qualification with emphasis on practical knowledge and skills e.g. BTEC Sports)
rather than A-level exams at Key Stage 5.
In year 11, students take at least nine subjects which comes
down to four at year 12 and at year 13 they can drop one and take a minimum of three. This is because at the advanced (A) level they are required to
have in-depth knowledge of the subjects they take.
While the general structure of the curriculum is the same,
there are different programme and examination bodies; the most recognized being
the Cambridge programme and Pearson’s Edexcel. These bodies are also tasked by
the British Government to ensure that the schools all over the world that offer
this curriculum meet the set standards.
What are the advantages of the British Curriculum over
the Kenyan system? Kodek Mose, GEMS Nairobi’s Head of BTEC Programmes and
Examination officer summarizes these as:
“The British curriculum is skills-based and emphasizes on
knowledge application while the Kenyan system emphasizes on simply knowledge
and ultimately exam success”
While there are many other differences, it is safe to say that ultimately, in the job market worldwide, an applicant who went through the British curriculum has an advantage over another who went through the local system (with the same qualifications) if for nothing else, their global view and practical approach to the workplace.
Difference between the 8-4-4 system and the British system
The 8-4-4 system is an education system that was used in
Kenya and Tanzania, while the British system is a system of education that is
used in the United Kingdom.
There are several differences between the two systems,
including the following:
- Age of
entry: In the 8-4-4 system, children start school at the age of six, while
in the British system, they start at the age of four or five.
- Duration
of primary education: In the 8-4-4 system, primary education lasts for
eight years, while in the British system, it lasts for six years.
- Secondary
education: In the 8-4-4 system, secondary education lasts for four years
and is divided into two phases: lower and upper. In the British system,
secondary education lasts for five years and is divided into two phases:
lower and upper.
- Examinations:
In the 8-4-4 system, students take the Kenya Certificate of Primary
Education (KCPE) examination at the end of primary school and the Kenya
Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination at the end of
secondary school. In the British system, students take the General
Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination at the end of
secondary school and the A-Level examination if they want to go to
university.
- Curriculum:
The 8-4-4 system has a curriculum that focuses on vocational skills and
practical training, while the British system has a more academic
curriculum that emphasizes theoretical knowledge.
Pros of the British education system
- High
quality of education: The British education system is renowned for its
high quality of education. This is due to the well-developed curriculum,
experienced teachers and well-equipped schools.
- Strong
emphasis on academic excellence: The British education system places a
strong emphasis on academic excellence, which helps to prepare students
for future academic pursuits.
- Recognized
worldwide: British qualifications are recognized worldwide, which makes it
easier for Kenyan students to pursue further education or work
opportunities abroad.
- Broad
curriculum: The British education system offers a broad curriculum, which
allows students to explore a range of subjects and interests.
- Critical
thinking skills: The British education system promotes critical thinking
skills, which are essential for success in both academic and professional
pursuits.
- Student-centered
learning: The British education system places a strong emphasis on
student-centered learning, which encourages students to take ownership of
their education and develop independent learning skills.
- Well-rounded
education: The British education system focuses on developing well-rounded
students who are equipped with not only academic knowledge, but also
practical skills and social skills.
Cons of the British education system
- Lack
of relevance to Kenyan culture and context: The British education system
was designed for students in the UK and may not adequately address the
needs and interests of Kenyan learners. The curriculum may not reflect
local cultures, languages, and traditions.
- Focus
on exams and rote learning: The British education system in Kenya places a
lot of emphasis on examinations and standardized tests, which may lead to
an over-reliance on rote learning and memorization rather than critical
thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Inequitable
access and quality: The British education system in Kenya may be limited
to urban areas and private schools, leaving rural and disadvantaged
communities without access to quality education. Additionally, the quality
of education may vary widely, depending on the resources and expertise of
the school.
- Limited
opportunities for vocational training: The British education system in
Kenya may not adequately prepare students for vocational careers or entrepreneurship,
which are important for economic development and reducing unemployment.
- High cost: The British education system in Kenya may be expensive, especially for low-income families, making it difficult for many students to access quality education.
Best IGCSE Schools in Kenya
The establishment of international schools in Kenya
stretches back to colonial days when European immigrants built special schools.
After independence, the schools were opened up to all.
International schools mainly
admit the children of personnel of foreign embassies, foreign business
communities, and other international organizations.
Kenyan students keen to gain international qualifications
are also enrolled.
The rise of IGCSE schools in Kenya reflects the desire for
foreign education and qualifications.
All foreign schools are private, and most offer a British
curriculum leading to GCE/IGSCE certificates.
Others provide the North American High School Diploma,
International Baccalaureate (IB), and European Baccalaureate (EB) diplomas.
Here are some of the most outstanding Best IGCSE Schools in Kenya.
1. Braeburn School
Since its founding, the school has developed into one of the
most prestigious international school groups in East Africa.
The school has more than 3,600 students aged 2 to 18 years
old.
Braeburn is home to sixteen schools with nine sites.
It is also considered one of the most successful IGCSE
schools in Kenya.
The institution has distinguished itself by generating some
of its most disciplined kids.
Location: Gitanga Road, Lavington
Telephone: 020-3875573, 3878161, 3872316
Website: www.braeburn.com
2. Riara International School
Riara International School offers a high-quality creative
approach to increase learning and accomplishment.
The institution ensures pupils build excellent intellectual
foundation skills for life.
Location: Along Riara Road, Off Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Contact: 0703 038 500.
3. Brookhouse School
Also known as Brookhouse International School, it accepts
both day and boarding students.
Students can enroll in an early years program, preparatory
school, and secondary school that adheres to the British National Curriculum.
Cambridge International Examinations (ICE) and Edexcel
Boards administer the examinations.
Contact Information Address: Magadi Road, Lang’ata
Telephone: 020 2430260
Website: www.brookhouse.ac.ke
4. Light International School
Light International is a Kenyan international school with
five branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Malindi.
The British curriculum is used in all schools, from
kindergarten to A level.
Contact: 0703 200 002.
5. International School of Kenya
The International School of Kenya (ISK) is a Nairobi
preschool through grade 12 institution.
This school offers students the option of pursuing either an
International Baccalaureate or a North American high school diploma.
The MSA has accredited ISK, and it is one of the largest
IGCSE schools in Nairobi, Kenya.
Additionally, the school is affiliated with the Association
of International Schools in Africa (AISA).
International School of Kenya (ISK) is Kenya’s most costly
secondary school, offering IGCSE courses.
For a child to study in this school comfortably, a parent
will part with a staggering Kshs.2.7 million a year.
This fee structure renders the institution restricted to ex-pats
and wealthy Kenyans.
Contact Information Address: Westlands
Telephone: 020-4183622
Website: www.isk.ac.ke
6. Nairobi Academy
Nairobi Academy is a coeducational institution serving
students ages 2 to 19.
The school’s curriculum prepares students for the
International General Certificate of Secondary Education and the General
Certificate of Education.
Lang’ata Road, Adjacent to Mamba Village.
7. International Hilltop School
The Hillcrest International School has asserted its
commitment to the success of its pupils.
The school was founded in 1965 by long-time government
official Frank Thompson and educator Dorothy Noad with the establishment of
their preparatory kindergarten.
One of the best IGCSE schools in Kenya, it expanded from a
nursery school to a secondary school.
It is a member of the IAPS, which enables it to participate
in the worldwide British Curriculum conglomerate.
Location of Contacts: Karen-Lang’ata
Telephone: 020-8067783
Website: www.hillcrest.ac.ke
8. Crawford International School
It is situated along Ngenda Road in Tatu City, 5 kilometers
from Thika Superhighway exit 11.
Contacts: +254 020 765 1053, +254 020 708 995254
9. Peponi School
The school was founded in 1989 on a 45-acre plot of land.
The institution is independent of the English language.
At 16 years of age, children take their school leaving
exams.
Location: Ruiru, Kenya
Telephone: +254 67 25058 Website: www.peponihouseschool.co.ke
10. Svenska Skolan I Nairobi
The majority of students attending Svenska Skolan in Nairobi
are from Scandinavian nations.
The institution offers lessons to both elementary and
secondary students.
Teachers of Svenska are fluent in Norwegian, Finnish,
Danish, and Swedish.
Contact Information
Address: Malindi Road off Ngong Road, Nairobi
Tel: +254 20 386 65 44
Website: www.ssn.or.ke
11. Nairobi Japanese School
The school offers Japanese-language instruction.
The Japanese government has sanctioned its curriculum.
Location: Karen, Nairobi
Telephone: +254 302578554
Website: njs2011.web.fc2.com
12. Rosslyn Academy
The private Christian school was established to offer a
North American curriculum to children of expatriates in the country.
Rosslyn Academy has classes from preschool through the
twelfth grade.
Before, most of its students transferred to the Rift Valley
Academy when they reached the ninth grade.
Contacts Location: Nairobi
Phone number: 020-7122168 9.
13. Deutsche Schule Nairobi/German School Nairobi (DSN)
The school serves the children of German ex-pats in Kenya.
Its curriculum follows the German system of education.
At the eighth-grade level, students are taught geography in
English.
In contrast, history is taught bilingually (German/English)
when pupils reach 9th grade, except for the Day of German Unity in October.
Additionally, they observe all Kenyan national holidays.
Location: Limuru Road, across from Village Market, Nairobi
Telephone: 0721-258417
Website: www.dsnairobi.de
14. Lycee Denis Diderot
The school’s lessons are taught in French and emphasize the
French education system.
Location: Kilimani, Nairobi
Telephone: (254) 020 2437714
Website: www.diderot.ac.ke
15. Rusinga School
Kenyan private Christian IGCSE schools adhere to the British
National Curriculum.
Until ninth grade, students follow the national curriculum
designed for the Kenyan market.
When students reach 10th and 11th grade, they transition to
an IGCSE curriculum developed by the University of Cambridge.
Location: Lavington, Nairobi
Phone number: +254 722205341
Website: www.rusinga.ac.ke
16. GEMS Cambridge International School
The school is an English-speaking institution that offers
instruction from the foundation level to the thirteenth grade.
As with all other foreign schools in Kenya, uniforms are
required.
GEMS Cambridge provides its graduates with IGCSE and A-level
exams in the British format.
17. Pembroke House School
It’s a British Common Entrance (BCE) school founded in 1927.
It has educated boys and girls for almost 85 years, making
it one of the oldest foreign schools in Kenya.
Most white settlers were in the Naivasha area, so the school
was initially intended for white nobility.
Pembroke House has also maintained high intellectual,
economic, and moral standards about the upbringing of students that attend
there for their education.
Contacts Address: Gilgil
Telephone: 020-2312323
Website: www.pembrokehouse.sc.ke
18. Greensteds School
On a 50-acre plot of property 17 kilometers south of Nakuru
town, the school was established in 1936.
Greensteds school offers A-levels and IGCSE English
curricula, with courses ranging from science and maths to French as a second
language.
Greensands is a coeducational boarding and day school with
an English curriculum of the highest caliber.
Location: Mbaruk neighborhood, Nakuru
Telephone number: 050-50770
19. Turi, St. Andrews School
Having pursued all routes to become the leading IGCSE school
in Kenya, the institution has plenty to brag about.
Since its foundation, the school has grown into a boarding
institution that provides education of the highest caliber.
This school attracts students from East Africa and beyond,
making it one of the most desirable international schools.
The school was founded to provide for settlers’ children in
the Highland regions of Kenya.
Location: Molo
Telephone: +254 (0) 0722 209750 or +254 (0) 20 2025709
Website: standrewsturi.com
20. Braeburn Kisumu International School (BKIS)
Students at the school range in age from 2 to 16 years old.
The group is affiliated with the Braeburn International
consortium of schools.
It adheres to the Wale and English National curricula.
Physical Location: Aput Lane, Kisumu
Phone number: +254 (0) 720 655 200
Website: braeburnschool.braeburn.com
21. Blenheim High School
It is one of the upcoming IGCSE curriculum high schools in
Kenya.
It was founded in 2009 after partnering with the Kisumu day
high school.
The partnership has allowed students from both schools to
become well-versed in the culture of the other.
Contact information: Blenheim High School, Longmead Road,
Epsom, Surrey
Telephone: 01372 745333