With the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya, significant changes have been made in how students are assessed, particularly at the primary school level. One of the major shifts is the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which is the national examination for Grade 6 pupils. The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) is responsible for administering and grading this exam, but the grading process differs from the traditional Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) or Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
In this article, we break down how KNEC grades the KPSEA exams, the key features of the performance report, and how parents and schools can verify its authenticity.
KPSEA Certificate: Key Differences and Format
Unlike the conventional examination certificates, the KPSEA certificate is referred to as a performance report and is issued in a soft copy format. The document can be accessed and downloaded by school heads from KNEC’s portal (cba.knec.ac.ke).
Key Features of the KPSEA Certificate:
- Assessment Centre and Number: The report includes the specific examination centre where the student was assessed.
- Pupil’s Details: It captures the name and gender of the pupil, with ‘F’ for female and ‘M’ for male displayed prominently on the far right side.
- No Passport Photo: Unlike KCSE certificates, KPSEA reports do not include a photograph of the candidate, maintaining a focus on the performance data.
Subjects Assessed in KPSEA
KNEC tests Grade 6 pupils in five core subjects under the CBC system:
- English Language
- Kiswahili Lugha
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science: Includes Science and Technology, Agriculture, Home Science, and Physical and Health Education.
- Creative Arts and Social Studies: Encompasses Art and Craft, Music, Social Studies, and Religious Education.
Grading System: A Performance-Based Approach
The KPSEA grading system is quite different from the previous numerical grades used in KCPE and KCSE. Instead of marks, students are assessed based on four performance levels, each reflecting the pupil’s competency in various subjects.
Performance Levels:
- Performance Level 1: Below Expectation
- This level is assigned to pupils who struggle to display the assessed knowledge, skills, and values, and require assistance. It indicates that the learner is below the expected competency level.
- Performance Level 2: Approaching Expectation
- This level shows that the learner demonstrates some understanding and competency but is not yet meeting expectations consistently. The learner occasionally displays the required knowledge and skills.
- Performance Level 3: Meeting Expectations
- At this level, the learner can consistently tackle assessment tasks and shows a good understanding of the knowledge, skills, and values. They meet the expectations most of the time.
- Performance Level 4: Exceeding Expectations
- This is the highest commendation. It indicates that the learner not only meets but surpasses the expected competencies, consistently displaying high levels of accuracy and understanding in the assessed areas.
How to Verify the Authenticity of KPSEA Certificates
With the rise of digital documentation, verifying the authenticity of certificates has become increasingly important. To ensure that a KPSEA certificate is genuine, it should include:
- A School Stamp and Head Teacher’s Signature: These two elements are critical for confirming that the performance report is officially endorsed by the respective school.
- Download Date: The certificate must have a timestamp indicating when it was downloaded from the KNEC portal.
- KNEC Watermark: The document must contain KNEC’s official logo as a watermark, which guarantees that it has been issued by the exam council.
Why KPSEA is Important for CBC
The KPSEA assessment marks a significant shift from the traditional exam-focused system to a more competence-based approach. By grading pupils on performance levels rather than raw scores, KNEC aims to assess students more holistically. The emphasis is placed on a learner’s ability to apply knowledge and skills, rather than rote memorization.
The CBC, and by extension the KPSEA, encourages the development of critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing learners for real-world challenges. This approach aligns with global trends in education, where the focus is shifting towards equipping learners with practical skills rather than solely academic knowledge.
The Kenya National Examination Council’s new grading system under KPSEA reflects the broader goals of the Competency-Based Curriculum. Through this new system, students are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate competencies in various subject areas, rather than merely being tested on memorization. The KPSEA certificate serves as a performance report, highlighting a learner’s strengths and areas for improvement, while still maintaining the integrity of the national assessment process.
For parents, teachers, and stakeholders in education, understanding how KPSEA is graded is crucial to adapting to the new CBC framework and ensuring that learners receive the support they need to excel in both academics and life skills.
