Africa-Press – Botswana. Government’s shift to a STEAM-focused curriculum is set to reshape education, effective next year.
The policy outlined in the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) manifesto, mandates a complete transition within 12 months according to Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, North East Region director operations, Mr Labane Mokgosi.
He was speaking at Mater Spei College’s staff victory gala dinner in Francistown on Friday, urging educators to familiarise themselves with the new policy and conduct research on its implementation.
Mater Spei College, a Catholic missionary school in Francistown secured first place in the northern region and second place nationally in the 2024 BGCSE examinations, achieving a 33.65 per cent pass rate.
Mr Mokgosi stated that the new STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) replaced the previous OSET model, aiming to equip learners with the 21st-century skills.
He also announced resumption of school sports next month.
Mater Spei College school head, Mr Baboloki Bajiti attributed the success to strategic planning and learners’ dedication to school work, highlighting consistent top performance since 2022, including a remarkable achievement by one student who attained 9 A*s and a D in 2023.
Mr Bajiti said the devoted to continue in this path, targeting even better results in the future in order to secure government sponsorships for top students to attend international universities.
The school’s achievement provides a strong foundation as it prepares to adapt to the upcoming curriculum changes under the new STEAM initiative.
Satellite south councilor, Mr Peter Ngoma commended Mater Spei College’s admirable performance and waxed lyrical about the dedication of teachers and support personnel in reclaiming the school’s rightful position in academic performance under the stewardship of Mr Bajiti’.
Mater Spei College, he said, was clearly on the path to regaining its prestigious national standing in BGCSE results.
Councilor Ngoma urged the entire school community to maintain the momentum and push even harder to achieve this commendable goal.
While celebrating the improved academic performance, Mr Ngoma also emphasised the importance of discipline among the students.
The spotlight shinned brightly on outstanding performers during the event. In the category of outstanding performance, the Department of Religious Education’s Ms Keitumetse Sefaya produced 15 A* out of 33 produced by the school.
Ms Matshidiso Puso, a Social Studies teacher who produced an exceptional 14 A* out of a possible 26 nationally was also acknowledged for her astounding performance.
Another Social Studies teacher in Ms Segametsi Busumane, was celebrated for having 11A* learners in that discipline.
Ms Busumane recently joined Mater Spei on transfer from Ditsweletse Junior Secondary School in Letlhakane, a move that proved to be a significant motivator for her. The school prides itself for attaining the highest scores in the country, in Social Studies and Religious Educations.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
