Newly Revised KNEC Grading System for KCSE
Newly Revised KNEC Grading System for KCSE. The Ministry of Education has introduced a new grading system for the KCSE 2023 examination. CS Education Ezekiel Machogu revealed that under the system, the average grade will be calculated from only two compulsory subjects: Mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language). The Knec will also consider the candidate’s best five subjects in addition to the required two.
The reform initiative aims to enable more students to undertake TVET training at certificate and artisan levels, in universities and in diploma programmes. The change departs from the previous 8-4-4 grading system, which the President’s Task Force on Education Reform said disadvantaged some students by ignoring their strongest subjects unless they fell into a particular cluster.
Concerns about the credibility of the high-stakes exams prompted stakeholders to propose an external assessment by Knec that would be weighted more heavily in evaluating students’ overall performance. The ministry emphasizes a mix of formative and summative assessments, with maths and science courses assessing numeracy skills and English and Kiswahili measuring reading ability.
The KCSE exams are scheduled from 23 October 2023 to 24 November 2023 with rehearsals on 19 October 2023. Knec CEO David Njeng’ere outlined the logistical details, including twice daily exam administration and twice a year paper collection day.
Security measures include restricting unauthorized access to test centers, with only center managers, invigilators and invigilators permitted. Njeng’ere urged adherence to established norms and professionalism and warned that anyone engaging in malpractice would face consequences.
CS Machogu emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensure that principles are followed and those who encourage cheating in exams will not be spared. He called for honesty and vigilance from all involved in overseeing the 2023 national examinations.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will be completed on 24th November.
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