How does school work in Uganda?

The second term started at the Kikooba Infant & Primary School at the beginning of May! In the first weeks, I was welcomed in all the classes and I had the opportunity to join lessons, to observe the school environment, which teaching methods are used and what could be improved, and teachers' and children's behaviors and needs. It is such an interesting and challenging experience to be part of a school system that is completely different from what I used to. 

Science in P5.

Do you know how school works in Uganda? 

Social Studies in P7.

The government of Uganda considers education a basic human right. Participating in education is also viewed as part of the solution to reducing poverty. The government is dedicated to providing equitable access to quality and affordable education to all Ugandans.

The Ministry of Education and Sports¹ is responsible for all education in Uganda.

Nursery

This is the pre-school level of education in Uganda. The infant section is composed of three classes: baby, middle and top. Children usually start at the age of three and complete nursery school by the age of six.

Primary School

The Primary section goes from P1 to P7 and it is the only one compulsory. With normal annual progression, this means the primary school should last seven years.  The first three years' lessons are in the local language, with a gradual switch to English. By the end of the 4th year, the language of instruction is English. At the end of P7, in October or November, the students have to obtain the Primary School Leaving Certificate (PLE) to continue their studies.

Secondary School

Pupils who pass their PLE can progress to secondary school. Secondary education is divided into two stages: Ordinary Secondary Level and Advance Secondary Level. The first step lasts 4 years, from S1 to S4. At the end of S4, students sit for the second major national exam known as the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE). The second step lasts two years, S5 and S6, and it ends with the national final exam called Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) when students are approximately 19 years old.

University and other tertiary institutions

In Uganda, institutions of higher education are divided into 3 categories: universities, other degree-awarding institutes (ODAI), and tertiary institutions (OTI). These 3 categories include public as well as private institutions. Higher education is divided into non-university level and university level studies. The non-university level consists of Certificate and Diploma programs. The university level consists of 3 cycles at the end of which an academic degree is earned: a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate.

Updates from Kikooba

It is time for P.E.! 

Every Thursday morning, nursery classes up to P2 are doing physical activities in the yard of the school. What a wonderful place to do it! We are surrounded by the green and the hills, breathing fresh and clean air. Through songs,  dances, and sports activities the teachers are improving children´s knowledge and coordination.

Our Scool Library is ready for visitors! 

After two weeks of hard work, Kikooba School LIbrary is ready to be used by teachers and children. We have more than 200 books for beginners, young and advanced readers, without forgetting the storytelling session for the younger ones. Teachers are ready and I am super excited for the next workshop I prepared for them on how to use the library to do more creative lessons. 

Practicing under a mango tree.

My first school debate

Teachers and students invited me to my first school debate. The motion was: it is important that children´s rights are promoted both at school and at home. The 10 students who were representing Kikooba School were the proposer side of this no-competitive debate. It was really challenging for the children to stand in front of a huge audience and express their statements but all the school is proud of them for their work and engagement. We enjoy our trip to the hosting school with our unexpected means of transport!

Our school van.

Teachers and students at the debate.

¹ https://www.education.go.ug/