Boys beat girls in O'level performance

Jan 31, 2009

BOYS have continued to perform better than girls in last year’s Uganda’s Certificate of Education examinations released yesterday.

By vision reporters

BOYS have continued to perform better than girls in last year’s Uganda’s Certificate of Education examinations released yesterday.

According to Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), of all the boys who sat last year’s examination, 9.4 percent passed in Division One, compared to 6.2 percent for girls. In Division One, Two and Three, there were relatively more boys than girls while girls were better represented in Division Four and failures.

However, girls performed better in English language, while boys performed better in other large entry subjects. In English language, 3.8 percent of the girls passed in Grade Two, compared to 2.8 percent for boys. In the other subjects such as History, Geography, Mathematics, Physics and Biology; boys led the girls in Grade Two.

Altogether 201,750 sat for UCE, an increase from last year’s 194,911. Over 15,616 passed in Division One, 39,634 in Division Two, 53,755 in Division Three and 80,390 in Division Four.

Overall, 96.3% candidates passed in divisions 1 -4, implying they qualify to join A’ level. A total of 1,275 candidates had their results cancelled due to examination malpractice.

In addition, 10 schools had their examination centres withdrawn because of examination malpractice. They include Kigulu High school (Iganga), King’s College (Yumbe), Ryeru Secondary School (Bushenyi), Naggalama Islamic Institute (Mukono), Luweero Hall and Kibuli Girls’ High School. The others are Central College Kabimbiri (Kayunga) and Karuguza Progressive SS (Kibaale). Four other centres got a warning.

St. Mary’s College Kisubi, King’s College Budo, Ntare School and Uganda Martyrs’ Namugongo performed well, with close to 80% of their candidates passing in division one.

The top girls’ schools such as Mt. St. Mary’s Namagunga, Gayaza High School, Nabisunsa Girls’ and Trinity College Nabbingo also perfomed well.
In science subjects, according to UNEB, candidates showed lack of practical skills and experience.

UNEB Secretary Matthew Bukenya said candidates still had problems in graph work, spelling of technical words, writing correct chemical equations and making accurate biological drawings.
The major challenge affecting the performance of science subjects, Bukenya added, was the lack of laboratories in many schools. He said 35% of the examination centres did not have adequate equipment. That, however, was an improvement from 40% the previous year.

A UNEB survey also revealed a serious lack of science teachers, especially in the rural and private schools, with many depending on part-timers.

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