Are your candidates ready for the finals?

‘A’ level and ‘O’ level exams begin today. P7 exams begin on November 14. In a system where a first grade is vital, we look at how schools have prepared their candidates. Angela Nampewo reports There are 421 P7 pupils at Nakasero Primary School, Kampala. At least 60% of them are expected to attain first grade in this year’s Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE.) By the end of the second term, the P7 syllabus is completed, says Mr Jackson Zziwa, head of academics. This is the policy. As part of the preparations for final exams, pupils are given unit tests to assess their grasp of the different topics. There are monthly and termly tests as well as mid-year mock exams from Kampala City Council (KCC.) The pupils also do six sets of mock exams from other districts. Completing the syllabus early enables the teacher to do revision with the pupils. Mr. Walusimbi, the P7K Maths teacher says this is the time is for consolidating what has been learnt during the year. This is also when weak pupils are identified and polished before the final exams. Walusimbi noted that female candidates are better at revising on their own. At Taibah High School, Mrs Bagonza, says they expect 100% first grades from the S6 candidates. Bagonza is the director of studies. As the students and teachers put final touches to years of academic investment, they acknowledge that it has been hard work. The 137 candidates, 66 ‘A’ level and 71 ‘O’ level, at Taibah High School are confident. Their teachers have completed the syllabus. However, the director of studies is worried about Maths. Bagonza attributes this to the poor attitude of the students. Classes here run from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Private study runs from 7:30 pm-9:30 pm. Morning prep starts at 6:30 am. Mr Batwale, an S.4 Biology teacher at Taibah, The first step towards producing top results is to have hope in the student’s ability. This builds their confidence, says Mr Batwale. Batwale is a Biology teacher. The key is not to focus on bright students only but also the weak ones so that their grades improve. Kitante Hill School handles final touches for candidates with a question and answer approach. This is done by holding internal seminars at which the candidates are exposed to all the teachers of a particular subject. “Officially we have lessons up to 4:00 pm. We, however, give the candidates an additional one and a half hours after class to catch up with revision,” says Mr Martin Aroma. There are also early morning lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. This is the equivalent of prep in boarding schools. There is a provision for students who cannot study at home. “We allow them to stay at school up to 8:00 pm,” Aroma adds. At Buganda Road Primary School, Kampala, preparations involve intense revision. Mr Steven Gimei, the Head of Academics, says this can only be achieved through weekly tests. However, the teachers at Buganda Road believe that pupils should be prepared right from the beginning of the year. The pupils are given a test every month. They are also given homework every weekend. When the exams are close at hand, the timetable is adjusted. The school organises tours to places like Kawanda Research Station. After the monthly tests, teachers identify weak pupils. Remedial classes are held every Saturday up to 12:30 pm. Such classes rule out failures and grade four. The candidates are also fed well to keep them alert and attentive in the afternoon. There are many ways you can prepare for exams. Good luck!