Selecting the best curriculum for your child’s education is a significant decision that shapes their academic journey and future opportunities. With so many options available; such as traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), parents are often left wondering which path to choose for their child(ren).

Key considerations 

When choosing a curriculum, parents should consider their child’s learning style, interests, and long-term goals. The flexibility of the curriculum, the focus on critical thinking and creativity, and how well it prepares students for future education are all important aspects to weigh. Additionally, the alignment of the curriculum with your family’s values and educational philosophy plays a crucial role.

Understanding Curriculum Differences

Different curricula offer unique approaches to learning. Traditional curricula focus on standardized content and exams, while Montessori and Waldorf emphasize hands-on, child-centered learning. IB is globally recognized for its rigorous, inquiry-based approach, preparing students for university-level work. Meanwhile, CBC, which is gaining traction in Kenya, emphasizes the development of specific competencies and skills rather than rote memorization.

Skills Development in CBC and International Curricula

CBC aims to develop practical skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These competencies are designed to prepare students for real-world challenges, making learning more relevant and applicable. In contrast, international curricula like IB focus on holistic education, encouraging students to explore subjects deeply and engage in independent research, fostering a global perspective.

As CBC continues to roll out across Kenya, it is set to transform the educational landscape by prioritizing skills and competencies over traditional content delivery. This shift is expected to create a more adaptable and innovative generation of learners, better equipped to meet the demands of the modern world.

To learn more, watch the Find Your Nova Podcast as Carol Gitobu (Senior Market Engagement Manager – GSMA),  Dr Lawrence Nderu (Chair – Dept. of Computing JKUAT) and Peninah Ivy Muthoni (Curriculum Design expert), discuss the intricacies of educational choices and their impact on students’ futures, offering expert insights to help you navigate this important decision. Watch now and leave a comment!

Are you interested to learn more about Nova Pioneer? Sign up via this link to attend a Campus Experience.

 

Nova Pioneer and Strathmore University have entered a groundbreaking partnership to champion the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education across Africa. 

The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive AI curriculum for students in grades K-12, with a particular focus on grades 7-12 within Nova Pioneer’s existing Innovation and Leadership Programme. The launch of the pilot programme will commence in 2025 for all Grade 8 students at Nova Pioneer.

Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Mr. Chinezi Chijioke, Nova Pioneer’s Co-founder and CEO, described the partnership as one that would equip African youth with the skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an AI-driven future.

Nova Pioneer’s Senior Director of Schools, Dr. London Moore, added, “Over the course of the next 5 years, we are looking forward to partnering with Strathmore University to create AI Impact Camps and an African Innovation Fund that will enable students across Africa to take their ideas and meaningfully bring them to life.” 

Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership Programme enables Grade 7 to Form 4 students to hone in on character, and reflect deeply on their values and beliefs. They then develop skills that will help them solve real-world problems through the frameworks of innovation, social entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The collaboration between Nova Pioneer and Strathmore University will see the delivery of the K-12 AI curriculum in Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and other African countries. This effort represents a significant step towards preparing the next generation of African leaders to harness the potential of AI and drive future innovation and growth on the continent. 

 

Nova Pioneer has been recognized as one of the top 10 schools globally in the field of education innovation, securing its place among the world’s educational elite. This prestigious acknowledgment underscores Nova Pioneer’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and excellence in education.

The recognition of Nova Pioneer’s outstanding contributions to advancing educational practices and pioneering new approaches to learning demonstrates its dedication to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world.

Nova Pioneer stands out for its innovative curriculum, dynamic teaching methods, and commitment to leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences. Through project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world applications, the school equips students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

In addition to its innovative programs, Nova Pioneer fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and community engagement. By partnering with local organizations, industry leaders, and educational institutions through its post school success programme, the school provides students with opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings and make a positive impact on society.

As Nova Pioneer celebrates this prestigious accolade, it reaffirms its commitment to innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in education. By embracing change, embracing challenges, and embracing opportunities, Nova Pioneer remains at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing students to excel in a rapidly changing world.

While being among the top 10 schools in the innovation category is a tremendous honor, our journey does not end here. We have set our sights on winning The Community Choice Award. This award is open to 50 shortlisted schools and awarded to the school that receives the most votes in the Public Vote. Only one school will be awarded the Community Choice Award and to achieve this goal, we need your support!

Please cast your vote for Nova Pioneer by following the instructions provided below.

1. Head to  https://vote.worldsbestschool.org/
2. Select Nova Pioneer
3. Register to vote
4. Validate your vote via email

Additionally, we encourage you to share this wonderful news with your friends, family, and networks, and ask them to vote for us as well. Together, we can make a difference and showcase the excellence of Nova Pioneer on a global stage.

Please note that public voting will close on June 28th, 2024. 

If you are not part of the Nova Pioneer community yet and are interested in learning more about our innovative approach to delivering our unique learning model, please sign up here to visit us at our next open day.

Guiding Our Students Towards Finding Their Nova

Transitioning from High School can be a thrilling yet challenging journey. As students step out of their familiar routines, they encounter a world filled with endless opportunities and new responsibilities. As a parent, you may wonder, ‘How can my child be best prepared for this critical transition?’ At Nova Pioneer we offer a Post-School Success Programme (PSS) that provides our students with exposure to diverse post-secondary opportunities and supports them in identifying the best-fit opportunities to pursue in alignment with their life goals after graduating. The PSS programme empowers our students to take charge of their post-school exploration and planning, with the support of their parents/guardians and Nova Pioneer’s post-school success experts throughout this process.

How does the PSS Team provide support to our students across Nova Pioneer Schools? 

• University partnerships

Our Class of 2023 received over $7,000,000 in scholarships from universities in Australia, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, and the United States of America (U.S.A). We support our students to submit quality and competitive student profiles and essays to attract university and college recruiters. We organize school visits by University and College representatives to offer information sessions to our students and enhance their University and course selection options. Our students also attend campus tours to selected universities to give them a glimpse of University life and the resources available. 

• Career Guidance 

We help our students to identify their interests and potential career paths by providing opportunities that allow for job shadowing and internships in leading organizations in Kenya that enable them to gain hands-on experience and apply what they have learned in class to a real-world scenario. 

• Skills Development

From resume writing to interview techniques, our sessions equip students with practical skills essential to them expressing themselves for real-world success. 

The PSS Team is there to guide students toward making the best decision that is aligned with their passion and desire for the future.

What are some of the many options after high school?

• Enrolling in a university directly after graduating (having applied in Form 4).
• Enrolling in a Technical and Vocational Education and Training institute to start training immediately for a chosen career.
• Taking a ‘gap’ year to polish the academic record, start a venture, or explore a passion before applying to and entering university.
• Pursuing practical training or work to gain practical experience before entering university.
• Starting on a career track by entering the workforce immediately.

 

Celebrating Our Class of 2023 PSS Programme

Nova Pioneer Eldoret Boys

Nova Pioneer Eldoret Girls

Nova Pioneer Tatu City Boys

Nova Pioneer Tatu City Girls

We proudly celebrate the achievements of our alumni who have grown into capable individuals ready to take on the world. To parents, educators, and community supporters, together we can build a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed. 

To learn more about our Post School Success Programme, fill out this form to meet our students and team at our next Campus Experience event.

At Nova Pioneer, we’re bursting with pride! Our young innovators and leaders have truly outdone themselves in the 2023 KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment) exams. With an impressive 96.8% of our 93 assessed students meeting and exceeding expectations, we couldn’t be happier for their remarkable achievements. We are proud to be leading the way in academic excellence and holistic student development.

These outstanding results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of each Novaneer. We applaud our students, parents, and teachers for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence. These results also reveal the collaborative spirit that thrives at Nova Pioneer. Our dedicated teachers, support staff, and the entire school community have come together to create an environment that fosters learning, growth, and a genuine love for education.

What are the KPSEA exams?

KPSEA stands for Kenya Primary School Education Assessment. It’s a national exam administered to assess the learning progress of Grade 6 students under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The CBC curriculum represents a significant shift in the education space of Kenya. This innovative approach moves away from an exam-focused approach and prioritizes developing well-rounded individuals with a strong foundation in core subjects like English and Mathematics.  It also encourages exploration in Integrated Sciences and an understanding of the world through Creative Arts & Social Studies.

Our students shone brightly in the 2023 KPSEA exams across various subjects, exceeding expectations in English, Mathematics, Integrated Sciences, and Creative Arts & Social Studies! 

At Nova Pioneer, academics is at the core of what we do. Our students learn to effectively question, critique, analyse and create through our inquiry-based instruction and project-based learning model to prepare them for the future.

While academic excellence is a cornerstone of our approach, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. We provide students with opportunities to be challenged, to compete, and to achieve beyond the walls of a classroom. We also offer our unique Innovation & Leadership programme for Junior and Senior School students across our schools. The Innovation and Leadership programme spans a full six years and is designed to ensure that students graduate with a set of skills that are founded on confidence, resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, curiosity, and awareness of self and others. 

Join Us in Shaping the Future!

At Nova Pioneer, we encourage students to consider the ever-changing world and their position in it and prepare them to take their place as the next generation of innovators and leaders on the African continent.

Are you ready for your child to be a part of this exceptional learning journey? Click HERE to apply today to learn more about CBC The Nova Pioneer Way!

 

I had the privilege of interning with Nova Pioneer’s Finance team, and the experience exceeded my expectations in several aspects. I interned from May 15th to August 18th 2023, contributing to the Finance department’s daily operations and gaining invaluable insights into financial management in the education sector.

My motivation to seek an internship at Nova Pioneer stemmed from its reputation for innovation and commitment to excellence in education. I was once a student at Nova Pioneer, and I was particularly intrigued by the prospect of applying my finance skills in an environment dedicated to shaping the future through progressive education.

The internship confirmation process was smooth and transparent. The HR team played a crucial role in guiding me through the steps, ensuring clear communication and providing a comprehensive overview of my responsibilities. I appreciated their responsiveness and efficiency throughout the process.

During my internship, I reported directly to experienced finance supervisors. Their names are Bernard and Vincent and I thank them for their continuous support and mentorship. I collaborated with a dynamic team, engaging with professionals who were not only knowledgeable but also eager to share their expertise. I’d specifically thank Maureen for her continuous support even after the internship at Nova Pioneer. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a positive learning environment where I could actively contribute to real-world financial tasks.

My overall experience was incredibly enriching. I was exposed to diverse financial functions, from budgeting and forecasting to financial reporting and payment allocation. I also got to know how to work from both the accounts payable and accounts receivables side of the finance department at Nova Pioneer . Nova Pioneer’s commitment to professional development was evident through various training sessions and workshops tailored for interns. This holistic approach enhanced my technical skills and provided a comprehensive understanding of finance in the education sector.

Beyond the internship tasks, I received additional guidance and mentorship from other finance teammates such as Mamosa Modise from the finance team in South Africa. Their insights and advice extended beyond the immediate scope of my role, contributing to my overall professional growth.

I wholeheartedly recommend Nova Pioneer as an internship destination for alumni. The organization’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, coupled with its innovative approach to education, makes it an exceptional place for hands-on experience. I believe other alumni will benefit significantly from the opportunities Nova Pioneer provides for personal and professional development.

Thank you, Nova Pioneer, for a transformative internship experience.

2024 is a significant year for Nova Pioneer. It is the year that we mark a decade as a school network and it is also the year that we graduate the highest number of students into the world of possibilities that await them. Additionally, we celebrate our two Eldoret campuses for graduating their inaugural Form 4 class. 

At the end of 2023, we had a total of 289 candidates sit for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations across our four high school campuses in Kenya. We are excited to share with you that 78% of our students achieved A to C+ and 22% achieved C to D. We are eager to support each alumni on their post-school success path through our robust programme.

Our top scoring Novaneer achieved an A of 83 points, Wanjiku Kamau from our Tatu City Girls Campus, and our top performing school is our Eldoret Boys Campus with a mean score of 9.4 with 93% scoring A – C+ and 7% scoring C – D+. 

 

Top Performing Subjects
Subject	Points	Grade	Campus
Business Studies	11.6	A-	Eldoret Boys
Computer Science	11.2	A-	Eldoret Boys & Eldoret Girls
Geography	11	A-	Eldoret Boys

 

 

 

By combining academic mastery with character development, collaborative problem solving skills, and connection to the world, we are preparing Novaneers for the most important test of all: life!  

The path ahead shines bright for our graduates! With the KCSE results now released, we expect a good number of the students to obtain admission in the institutions whose admissions are based on the national examinations results.  Additionally, the Class of 2023 has applied to a range of international universities. These include universities across Australia, Canada, Germany, Ghana and the United States. Most students will receive their admission decisions and scholarship awards to these universities between March and July 2024 but we have already cumulatively received a total of USD$ 6,000,00 in scholarships through pre-admissions to institutions across the world.

These results are testament to the tireless commitment and work of our teachers and post school success counsellors.

Our students have been set up on a path to success and we are proud of them.  We cannot wait to see where they lead next! 

Are you interested in learning more about our unique learning model that spurs academic success? Apply today and get a chance to attend our open day!

 

Thank you for choosing to be part of the Nova Pioneer community and allowing us to be part of your child’s journey. At Nova Pioneer, we know how important it is to build community. Who better to help us do this than our very own parents? Through the referrals you make to other families, we have seen the Nova Pioneer community grow. As a way of showing our appreciation, we are doubling your referral discount when a parent that you have referred to Nova Pioneer, secures their child’s place between 15th May 2024 to 15th July 2024 and enrols their child at one of our Nova Pioneer schools in Kenya at the start of the 2024 academic year. 

How Does Doubling Your Referral Discount Work? 

As an existing Nova Pioneer parent, you could qualify for a 5% discount on your own child’s tuition, when a parent that you refer successfully enrols their child at any of our Nova Pioneer campuses in Kenya. To celebrate your support, the 5% discount is being doubled for a limited time. This means that you could qualify for a 10% discount on your child’s 2024 tuition if a family that you refer to Nova Pioneer secures their spot between 15th May 2024 to 15th July 2024  and enrols their child for the 2024 academic year.

How Our Referral Discount Works

Which Parents are Eligible for a Discount?

1. In order to successfully enrol a referred student, the prospective parent must state that they were referred to Nova Pioneer by you (your first name and surname), when they fill in the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM in the ‘How did you hear about us?’ section on our website. This is a mandatory requirement to be eligible for the discount.
2. Referred students cannot have a sibling currently at or having previously been enroled at Nova Pioneer. 
3. The referral discount is applied to the youngest child’s tuition- if you have only one child at Nova Pioneer, that child will receive the discount. 
4. There is no limit to the number of students that a current parent can successfully refer and subsequently benefit from. You will be entitled to a 10% discount per referral who successfully secures their spot between 15th May 2024 to 15th July 2024 and enrols for the 2024 academic year.
5. This referral programme is only open to parents whose child(ren) are enroled at Nova Pioneer at the time when they refer new parents, who then successfully enrol their child(ren) at Nova Pioneer.
6. The discount is applied termly or annually, depending on the payment option chosen for the 2024 fees of the referring parent.
7. The referral discount will not be applied should the student’s account be in arrears at the point in time that the discount is allocated.
8. Nova Pioneer staff do not qualify.
9. The discount is not transferable to another student or family’s fee.
10. The discount cannot be converted into- or payable in cash for the equivalent value.

What are the KEY STEPS to SUCCESSFULLY Refer & Receive the “DOUBLE Discount”?

Step 1: A current and referring parent talks to a friend and tells them about Nova Pioneer.

Step 2: The prospective parent completes an online application form and in the ‘How did you hear about us?’ section, they select ‘referred by a current parent’ and write the full name of the parent who referred them.  Note: this is a critical step to log this referral and without providing the first name and surname of the referring parent, they will not qualify for the said discount.

Step 3: The referred parent (a) completes the enrolment process (which may require an assessment), (b) is formally accepted, (c) submits all required documentation, and (d) pays ALL grade/form-relevant fees for their first term at Nova Pioneer.

Step 4: The referred and NEW student starts at Nova Pioneer as planned at the school having completed the steps above.

Step 5: Within 3 weeks thereafter, the SUCCESSFUL referral is flagged to the Nova Pioneer billing team, who will subsequently credit the referring parent fee account with the 10% discount (assuming all terms & conditions are met). 

Note: that the discount will ONLY be applied AFTER the referred student has paid and started at Nova Pioneer. If this happens after you have been billed, then a credit will retrospectively be applied to your fee account, equivalent to the 10% tuition discount, if all of the STEPS are completed and terms & conditions applied with.

IMPORTANT: STEPS 1 to 3 all need to be completed within the specific time frame of 15th May 2024 to 15th July 2024, to qualify for the “Double Discount” of 10%. 

Successful parent referrals outside of this specific time frame, still qualify for the 5% tuition discount which is part of the ongoing Nova Pioneer parent referral programme.

Nova Pioneer respectfully reserves the right to change or withdraw this programme at any stage.

As a current parent who wishes to refer a family, you can also complete this form with the details of the family you wish to refer, and an Admissions teammate will reach out to them and assist them in making a formal application for their child to join one of our Nova Pioneer campuses. 

 

What makes a student project authentic and meaningful? How can we better prepare our students for real-world tasks through project-based learning? This year in our Innovation and Leadership programme, we’ve focused heavily on levelling up our projects, so that students engage in projects with a public audience and an authentic task.  This led us to two culminating events – our Nova Talks event and our Social Entrepreneurship Shark Tank.

The main highlight of the year was our first annual Nova Talks event, held on 23 June 2023 in USIU auditorium. This event brought the top two speakers from each of our Nova Pioneer Kenya high schools to share their Talk on the theme, “Impacting the African Century”. Form 4 students across our high schools were challenged to write and deliver a talk on how they’ve made a positive impact on the world during their time at Nova Pioneer. Lessons for Term 1 Innovation and Leadership focused on best practices in delivering a talk, and each student gave a talk in their Innovation and Leadership class. Students then selected the top talks from their classroom to go on to speak in front of the school, and then the students selected the top two talks to represent their school at the final showcase event.

The event, which brought together students and families from across all six Nova Pioneer schools in Kenya, featured MC Elijah Odundo and judges Chinezi Chijioke, Dr. London Moore, Agatha Juma and Mary Onguko. Miss Mureithi and Miss Waiharo of Nova Pioneer Tatu Girls gave the best speech overall, sharing their idea for  “Plastikey,” a business aimed at reducing plastic waste by repurposing waste materials into urban farming materials. Their speech was supported by concrete examples of their ideas brought to life. Miss Maina and Miss Nzou, also of Tatu Girls, emerged as the most compelling speakers, sharing their business idea for “THREAL: An African Heritage Story,” providing an online platform for young Africans to connect with one another and learn about their heritage, correcting flawed global narratives on the African experience. Their presentation included movement and music, capturing the audience’s attention as they shared their message. Finally, Master Mukisa of Eldoret Boys earned the award for most compelling concept through his talk titled “UKUAJI: Fostering Joint Economic Growth Through Diversity and Inclusion”, which provided innovative solutions for revitalising rural communities and fostering community engagement and pride.

Later in the term, Tatu Boys hosted Nova Pioneer’s second annual Social Entrepreneurship Shark Tank event on 7 August, 2023. Over the course of Term 2, Form 3 students across all four high schools learned about social entrepreneurship, building business and impact models for their own social enterprise idea. The top team from each school went on to the final Shark Tank event, in which they delivered their social enterprise pitch live to a team of “Sharks” – Kenyan business and non-profit leaders. The 2023 “Sharks” included Catherine Kiama, Director of Programmes and Impact at She’s the First, Jedidah Ndubi, Senior Investment Associate at Acumen Fund, Linnet Muturi, Educational Counsellor at Uniconnect Ltd., and Hilda Nyareso, Chief Operating Officer at Shamiri Institute. After each pitch, the Sharks gave their live feedback to each team, and offered their total mock investment for each team.

Tatu Boys team “NIXIE AI”, which included Master Munene, Master Richard, Master Wangai, and Master Mbowe, won the event with a total of Ksh.12,700,000 across the four judges. Their innovative idea focused on AI-supported mental healthcare for young people. This was the second year running in which a team from Tatu Boys won the event, as the Tatu Boys team “TuLink” won the competition in 2022.

Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited to further build on our Innovation and Leadership programming. We will be launching our Grade 8 Innovation and Leadership curriculum next year, focusing on Failing Forward, which all Grade 8 students will take alongside their regular lessons. We will also launch an Artificial Intelligence unit in the Innovation and Leadership curriculum in 2024, helping students to understand the role AI will play in our changing world, as well as the technical aspects of artificial intelligence.

Innovation and Leadership remains a top priority for Nova Pioneer in the years to come, and we cannot wait for you to see what we have in store next!

 

Our mission at Nova Pioneer is to develop a generation of innovators and leaders who will shape the African century. In order to achieve this we strive to ensure that our students develop strong connections with the world and with themselves.

Mark Paterson, a professor in sociology believes that nothing instills learning more than traveling the world and accumulating experiences and in support of this philosophy for this month’s post we feature our very own Andrew Mungai a form 3 student in our Tatu Boys high school who was part of a group of students that travelled from Kenya to one of our schools in South Africa for a 1 week exchange program in September 2023. 

We got to ask Andrew a couple of questions to get a feel of his experience and below you will be immersed into the virtual reality that was his experience. Enjoy!

 

Briefly explain what the exchange program is about?

The program is designed to give Kenyan students an opportunity to build connections with the South African students thus allowing them to gain first hand experience on the similarities and differences between Nova Pioneer schools in both regions. 

The image above portrays our visit to the military history museum where we got to see the weapons that were used to fight for independence gained in 1994.

 

How would you say the exchange program impacted you?

The exchange program helped me discover that I would like to pursue my higher education in one of the aviation schools in South Africa. 

As you can see in the image above my fellow students and I had just attended a Business Studies lesson in South Africa and we had the opportunity to give the Dean of Instruction and Learning who couples up as a Business Studies teacher feedback as is our Novaneer culture on our take of the lesson. During the feedback session we also had a chance to discuss available career opportunities in South Africa based on competitive pay and career progression.

 

What did you enjoy most about the exchange program?

Bungee Jumping at Soweto Towers which is a location where Costa Tich, a dearly departed South African artist shot a video for one of his songs. This image portrays some of the art at Soweto Towers and it was so exciting to engage in activities outside the classroom.

 

Is there anything about the South African culture that you found intriguing?

The classroom culture in both regions is similar. Outside the classroom, South Africa owns a lot of supercars and in their culture they do not take off their shoes while getting inside the house. To sum up the trip below are additional memories that we created with the students in South Africa.