The first day of November 2023 ushers a beam of hope as Wiser girls get ready to sit their final examinations after four years of studying. This year’s examination, abbreviated as KCSE – Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, will be administered to about one million candidates from all over Kenya. It is all systems go on Campus as the rest of the students returned to their homes for ten weeks Christmas holidays to create a conducive environment for examinations.
“We are confident of getting a good result,” Says a Sandra Ongati, Wiser Student President. “Wiser has offered us this opportunity todiscover our potential. Our teachers have prepared us well in all subjects and we are much ready for the exams.” The stakes are high as the performance in the KCSE examinations determines qualification to degree, diploma or certificate courses. The results in KCSE exams go a long way as points of reference in all future opportunities including employment.
Over eighteen subject areas are tested in this exam. However, each student is tested in between seven to nine subjects. A student is graded in only seven subjects namely English, Kiswahili, Math, any two science subjects and any other two best performed subjects. As a dedicated STEM school, we have a lot of confidence in our ability, especially in the subjects Math, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and ICT.
The next three weeks until November 24 th will be extremely important in the life of our candidates. Each student sits for a maximum of two papers every day, a scenario which compels every student to rise at 4am for early morning revision for the two examination papers and further study for the following day’s examination papers till 10 pm when they retire to bed. Each day’s exams begin at 8 am and 2 pm with each paper running for between 105 minutes to 165 minutes, depending on the paper. A science subject such as Biology is administered in three papers. Biology paper 1 is a theory test which contains short answer questions drawn from the entire four year syllabus contributing a maximum 80 marks and runs for two hours. Biology paper 2 is a two-hour theory test which examines high order concepts and essays which also contributes maximum 80 marks. Biology paper three is a practical test administered in the Biology laboratory where students are tested in practical science concepts of observation, measurements, analysis and interpretations. The class has exhibited enormous courage ahead of the exams, which begin on Thursday 2nd December, 2023.
The candidates were recently taken through a dedication prayer service which was graced by Wiser’s inaugural Principal Madam Dorcas Oyugi and Madam Grace Murika, Wiser Country Manager. Madam Dorcas’ message of courage still rings through the ears and minds of every Wiser girl. This was her first return to the Campus after her retirement. The prayer service brought together the parents and guardians of all forty-five candidates, faculty and support staff. Speaker after speaker, the message of courage, confidence and integrity, the qualities of a Wiser girl defined the day.
The three-week long examinations provides an opportunity for the vulnerable girls at Wiser to edge towards their individual dreams and to fight for their rightfully deserved space in a male dominated society. Without Wiser the girls are aware this moment would be a mirage in their lives, hence the more reason the KCSE exams mean a life time chance to them.
Kennedy is the Deputy Principal in charge of Academics and Programs at Wiser Girls School – Kenya.