How Dual Curriculum , Team work & Qualified Teachers Drive Excellent Performances at Namugongo Secondary & Vocational School
With results for the 2024 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) released on Tuesday, February 11th 2024 at State House in Nakasero, Kampala, Namugongo Secondary and Vocational School has again emerged as a beacon of academic excellence, showcasing remarkable achievement in the examinations with an impressive 114 students attaining result one grades.
Located at Jjanda Village , off Kyaliwajjala -Sonde road – Namugongo in Kira Municipality , Wakiso District , Namugongo Secondary & Vocational School is a great lakes region’s center of excellence with a dual curriculum, a hybrid learning model that alternates between academic study and work experience , providing students with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Speaking to reporters on Friday ,Mr Francis Awee , the Head Teacher Namugongo Secondary and Vocational School said the school’s unique curriculum puts the school above the rest therefore the new curriculum found them prepared , adding that the excellent performance in 2024 was inevitable.
‘’Considering the challenges of employment in Uganda today, the school decided to run two programmes co- currently. The school runs the academic programme (UNEB curriculum) and the vocational curriculum. Every a student who is admitted in S1 is supposed to offer the usual UNEB curriculum along side one vocational subject and computer which is compulsory. The student is taught the two programmes up to senior three where he or she sits for national examinations set by the Directorate of Industrial training (DIT)’’, said Mr Awee adding that from such examinations, the student obtains a certificate and can decide to use that certificate to progress to another level in the line vocational skills.
He added that the school , whose goal is to produce learners that can be independent individuals in society who are equipped to serve God, effectively contribute to National development and be successful in life offers vocational subjects that impact learners positively which include ; Hair dressing & cosmetology, Videography & photography, Catering & Hotel management, electrical installation , carpentry , Building and Tailoring.
‘’I would really encourage the parents to bring children to such a school because we help learners find a place in society. We have qualified teachers , we don’t just pick teachers , these are highly qualified teachers with necessary skills to teach these learners. We are a christian based school and our emphasis is on morals. We train them to have good morals and the fear of God in them helps them to respect everyone. Discipline is key here and when you come here you will see unique programs . I want to appreciate my parents for their contributions. All our students passed in result one , they can stand tall anywhere and our teachers have also been exceptional in guiding the children’’, noted Mr Awee adding that they have always taken stakeholders advice that’s why they have managed to achieve these successes.
He emphasized that the school is christian based and this has encouraged focused learners to have a firm ground for their future adding that this has also been coupled with adequate security both human and technological by use of cameras around the place to ensure safety of everyone at the school which is surrounded by a perimeter wall.
‘’After the DIT examinations, the student continues to Senior Four and sits the UNEB examinations where he or she obtains a certificate. Therefore what makes NSVS unique is that students will be able to obtain two certificates at the end of the four year course. This has been so helpful to the students because they are able to stand on their own after senior four’’, added Mr Awee.
Mr Jackson Mudiima , the Deputy headmaster academics at Namugongo Secondary and Vocational School attribute the good performance to the cooperation between them, the teachers, the parents, learners, not forgetting the visionary directors , who are focused and it is evidenced by supporting the new curriculum which needed a lot of things .
“We have team work as teachers and school administrators , cooperative parents who provide for the learners especially in the new curriculum. Give us more children, because here at Namugongo Vocational and secondary school , we have everything it takes to make them excel.”
Mr Mukasa John Braxton , the deputy headteacher administration at Namugongo Vocational and secondary school said they have a behaviour management policy which supports the child protection policy. Under this policy we have a lot of things which empower different stakeholders in school from both students leaders and teachers to manage behavior.
‘’Since our tagline is quality education in a christian environment we value spiritual aspects where students get a chance to understand the bible which has helped them to concentrate ‘’, added Mr Mukasa.
Education stakeholders in Uganda have hailed Namugongo Vocational and secondary school ,welcoming the results and describing them as a positive sign of a smooth transition to the new curriculum.With such a strong performance, Namugongo Vocational and secondary school remains optimistic about even better outcomes in the future.
Meanwhile, as Namugongo Vocational and secondary school celebrates this remarkable achievement, it reaffirms its commitment to excellence in education and its mission to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The school remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will make meaningful contributions to society and shape the future of Uganda and beyond.
The School curriculum is recognized by the Ministry of Education and Sports. This has enabled the school to get affiliated to the external certification bodies that offer students with authentic documents after completing their studies.
The school is affiliated to the Directorate of Industrial Training Ministry of Education and Sports and Uganda National Examination Board.
The 2024 UCE exams marked the first time candidates were assessed under the revised secondary school curriculum, which focuses on competency-based learning, practical skills, and continuous assessment.
This outstanding performance underscores the school’s dedication to fostering a culture of academic rigor, excellence, and achievement among its students.
The remarkable achievement obtained by the school reflects the commitment and hard work of both students and educators who have demonstrated steadfast determination and resilience in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Through a holistic approach to education that emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement, the school has empowered its students to excel academically and realize their full potential.
The attainment of result 1 by 114 students is a testament to the effectiveness of Namugongo Vocational and secondary School’s academic programs, teaching methodologies, and supportive learning environment. It highlights the school’s ability to inspire and motivate students to strive for excellence and overcome challenges in their academic journey.
Nationally, 359,417 candidates sat for the exams, including 177,133 males (49.3%) and 182,284 females (50.7%), according to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
The results released on Tuesday indicated that candidates displayed exceptional performance in Art and Design, History & Political Education, Agriculture and Mathematics while proportions of candidates achieving at the elementary level (below basic level) are most significant in Physics followed by Chemistry and then English Language.
For more information , contact the school administrators ; 0772989754, 0774372663
0701362966, 0783440402
www.nsvsnamugongo.ac.ug