Kitebi SS strengthens academic support as candidates approach final examinations

Kitebi Secondary School has stepped up its academic support programmes as candidates draw closer to their final examinations. The emphasis on academic preparation was highlighted by the Ms Atuhaire Jackline, the Director of Studies during the third week’s assembly.

Developing consistency in academic work

In a bid for learners to develop consistency in their academic work, this can be achieved through developing a routine that allows them to attend lessons, revise their work and complete assignments on time. Such small efforts, when made consistently, can produce meaningful results and help learners become better performers, particularly in a promotional term.

Ms Atuhaire explained to the learners that academic success requires commitment to everyday tasks rather than waiting until examinations are approaching. She encouraged students to work hard and remain focused on becoming achievers, reminding them that responsibility for their academic progress partly rests with them.

Time management

With the UNEB examination period approaching, candidates were encouraged to manage their time carefully and avoid unnecessary distractions. Ms Atuhaire cautioned learners against loitering and encouraged them to make productive use of the time available to them.

She explained that every day provides an opportunity for learners to improve their preparation and that the way they use their time can contribute to their academic progress.

Learners were therefore encouraged to attend lessons, participate actively in class, revise their work and complete assignments instead of spending time on activities that do not contribute to their academic goals.

“Start now to achieve,” she told the learners.

Hostel remedial programme

As part of the school’s efforts to provide additional academic support, Ms Atuhaire re-emphasised the hostel remedial programme for learners. The programme provides additional time for academic work, allowing learners to revise, seek clarification and strengthen areas where they may need further support.

Learners were therefore encouraged to take the remedial sessions seriously and attend them consistently so that they can benefit from the additional academic opportunities provided by the school.

While the programme is intended for learners staying in the school hostel, day scholars have been excluded from the arrangement because of the challenges associated with remaining at school beyond the normal hours.

Adv. Haj Kamulegeya Muhammed explained that the decision also takes into consideration the safety of learners, particularly girls who would have to walk home late after the sessions. He also pointed to the limited availability of parental support for some learners who would return home after the additional academic sessions.

Beyond the formal lesson timetable, learners were also encouraged to make use of other academic opportunities provided by the school, including seminars and other programmes aimed at supporting their learning.

Such opportunities are intended to give learners additional exposure, help them gain a better understanding of different subjects and strengthen areas where they may not be performing well.

The learners were reminded that academic improvement does not depend on one activity alone, but on the consistent use of the different opportunities available to them.

Feedback on weekly work

To strengthen follow-up on learners’ academic progress, the school will also pin weekly work so that students can access it and provide feedback on the areas they may find challenging.

The approach is intended to create room for learners to communicate their concerns and for teachers to identify areas that require further attention.

Through this process, shortcomings identified by learners can be addressed by teachers, allowing academic challenges to be dealt with as they arise instead of waiting until the end of the term or examination period.

Parents’ support in academic preparation

The school also acknowledged the role played by parents in supporting learners’ academic progress. Ms Atuhaire noted that attendance of learners has improved and appreciated parents who had cleared their children’s school dues.

The improvement in attendance provides learners with more opportunities to follow lessons consistently and keep up with the work being covered in class.

Parents were therefore encouraged to continue supporting their children by ensuring that they attend school regularly and have the necessary requirements to participate fully in academic activities.

As the school continues to strengthen academic support, learners were reminded that the programmes and opportunities provided by the school can only produce results when they are matched with personal commitment.