A recent study reveals that most ninth-grade students are leaning toward social sciences over STEM fields, contrary to governmental aims. This finding comes from a report by Central Careers, a company focused on career assessments.
The survey indicates that among these learners, 39% favor social sciences, followed closely by 33% who show interest in STEM subjects, with the remainder opting for arts and sports at 28%. It’s worth noting that both the Competency-Based Curriculum Framework (CBCF) and recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform suggest that around 60% of high-school seniors ought to pursue STEM courses. Yet, current trends indicate this target may not materialize.
Joseph Muraya, CEO of Central Careers, emphasized during Knec-organized discussions on CBA reform strategies held recently, “Realistically speaking, aiming for a 60% uptake rate needs careful communication; otherwise, parents could become anxious.” He added that they surveyed 147 institutions spread throughout 16 regions, considering academic performances within those settings.
Muraya highlighted further: “These statistics reflect actual outcomes, not just goals. Let us nurture our young minds’ passions rather than forcing them into predetermined roles.”
Under the competency-driven framework, prospective secondary school entrants face choices aligned with either STEM, social sciences, or creative pursuits like art and athletics. Amongst the group preferring social sciences, specifically, 62% gravitate towards languages and literature, whereas another segment—constituting 20%, leans towards commerce-oriented topics alongside history enthusiasts making up 18%.
Interestingly enough, even though many aspire purely scientific paths accounting for 59%, fewer opt for practical applications or technological aspects constituting only 30% and 11% correspondingly within the STEM domain.
Currently, first-time participants following CBC guidelines find themselves progressing through grade nine before facing evaluations later this year. Over one million freshmen will advance according to personal inclinations regarding future careers and talents displayed thus far.
Themed ‘Harnessing Evaluation Information Towards Equitable Educational Practices’, key educational influencers convened last week discussing pertinent challenges along with potential corrective actions required moving forward.
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