The year 2020 will definitely be a year for books in the education sector across the world. From navigating having to switch to virtual classrooms in record time to grappling with the nuances of teaching within the new dynamics of a rapidly changing world. Schools have had to be on
The year 2020 will definitely be a year for books in the education sector across the world. From navigating having to switch to virtual classrooms in record time to grappling with the nuances of teaching within the new dynamics of a rapidly changing world. Schools have had to be on the receiving end of making crucial decisions on what works best for their learners during this time as we await news of reopening of schools.
With the wake of the official announcement from the Cabinet Secretary of Education that Grade Four, Class Eight and Form Four candidates will be expected to report back to school on 12th October, many educators and families would be ruminating on how to best approach the evolving situations. There’s a myriad of factors to be considered during this period and it is even more crucial that different individual players come together and have open conversations on how to best tackle reopening of schools.
From the micro-level factors involving conversations and practices parents and guardians are having with their children on what their main concerns are, to the macro-level factors that involve conversations institutions should be having with their families about expected changes and how to best prepare for the same.
It is resoundingly clear that we all need to lean into each other to meet the current moment and best prepare our students and teachers to emerge even stronger amidst the new normal. In our open house webinar session on 7th October, this topic was discussed at length with Gavin Esterhuizen – Executive Head, Nova Pioneer Ormonde Primary, Dr Benson Kairu, School Leader, Nova Pioneer Boys Sec. School, Tatu City, Grace Mukunzi, Dean of Residential Life, Nova Pioneer Girls Secondary School, Tatu City and Agnes Ng’ang’a parent to Pear and Keren (F4, Nova Pioneer Girls Sec. School, Tatu City
You can access the recording of the engaging session by clicking on the link above.
Supporting Class Eight K.C.P.E Candidates
If you have sat for a national examination, then you know how this comes with its fair share of societal pressure. Now, imagine what this must feel like for the current Class Eight candidates across Kenya who have to live through the Covid-19 pandemic as they prepare to take their
If you have sat for a national examination, then you know how this comes with its fair share of societal pressure. Now, imagine what this must feel like for the current Class Eight candidates across Kenya who have to live through the Covid-19 pandemic as they prepare to take their Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination (K.C.P.E).
There is no doubt that these are unprecedented times for this year’s Class Eight candidates as everyone grapples with the question of whether they are adequately prepared to tackle a national exam.
At Nova Pioneer, we believe in preparing student capabilities that includes developing high levels of academic mastery to take on the world with confidence and to create new possibilities for themselves and others. As an organization that’s deeply invested in playing our part in ensuring that each child reaches their full potential, Nova Pioneer has put together revision packages to complement the resources already available to Class Eight candidates across the country through their respective schools.
Our Academic and Learning Design teams have collaborated with external experts to help prepare a comprehensive study schedule and support materials that will enable parents, their children and educators to creatively find solutions to ensure that adequate exam preparation is happening remotely.
Following the school closures, Nova Pioneer families received robust online Learning Packs weekly that were both engaging and easily accessible to the majority of our students. We are excited to share with you some of our materials to support learning in your home. Our hope is that all children can continue their learning journey during this time.
What Can You Expect?
Short and Interactive Videos across Each subject
These videos will help the candidates build a clear understanding of the most challenging areas across Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Science and Social Studies and Religious Education.
Short Quizzes With Detailed Marking Schemes
The short quizzes across the six subjects will mostly tackle the most challenging areas for learners and will be accompanied with marking schemes to aid the revision process.
Study/Revision Timetable and Study Tips
As part of the package, you will also be able to access a customizable timetable with base-level foundational tips on how to structure private study time and the optimum times to adhere to. Students and parents will also be able to access tips on how to build a conducive learning environment that will enable them to thrive during their private studies.
To sign-up for the K.C.P.E study packs, click here to complete the interest form and a member of the admissions team will reach out to you to clarify any questions you may have and with the next steps.
Yale Young African Scholars: Angel’s Experience
The first time I found out about YYAS (Yale Young African Scholars) was last year. I did my research on the program and decided it was something I’d be interested in. However, back then, I found out about it one week before the application due date. Nonetheless, I applied. Of
The first time I found out about YYAS (Yale Young African Scholars) was last year. I did my research on the program and decided it was something I’d be interested in. However, back then, I found out about it one week before the application due date. Nonetheless, I applied.
Of course, with my application being prepared in a week, I was simply trying my luck. I did not get in. I didn’t let that put me down. If there’s something Nova Pioneer has taught me, it’s that failure is a stepping stone to success. I learnt from my last-minute attempt and as soon as the applications were opened this year, I began mine.
Applying for YYAS
The application was long and detailed. It is designed in such a way that I had to dedicate a lot of time and thought to it. I eventually completed it and submitted well before the deadline. I was, to say the very least, ecstatic, when I found out I had gotten in.
Day in the life of a YYAS Scholar
The program was initially supposed to take place over a week in a school within the country. When I received my acceptance email, I was saddened to find out that this would not be the case this year but that was understandable due to the COVID_19 pandemic. Instead, we would be having a three-day online program. But, hey, half a loaf is better than none.
The program took place over zoom. We were placed in groups and each group had slightly different schedules. We had our sessions between 3 pm and 6 pm EAT. It consisted of interesting seminars, for example, we learnt about language and its effect on behaviour and were able to discuss the subject.
The program was incredibly inspiring. I remember a session where an entrepreneur from Ghana shared his story with us and we got to interact with him and ask him questions. I learnt a lot from that session about the power of persistence and determination.
Opportunities at YYAS
Opportunities such as a Q&A with university admission officers and university students were availed and were incredibly helpful. I got to find out more about universities I was interested in, learn about other options and generally get more information about university life.
I also got to interact with brilliant minds from different countries. During the program, we had opportunities to share ideas and experiences and I really enjoyed having my sessions in such a diverse environment.
I made some friends I continue to keep in touch with even after the program and made some networks which I believe may be valuable in life.
All in all, the program was absolutely fantastic. It was much more than one would expect from a three-day online program. It was an invaluable experience and I’m more than glad I could attend.
Leading A Life Of Impact
Earlier this year, the opportunity to apply for the Watson Institute Accelerator Program was posted in the Post School Success(PSS) Google Classroom by Misco (Post School Success Manager). At the same time being in the Ashoka network, it was shared in a WhatsApp group that we have. The Watson Semester Accelerator is
Earlier this year, the opportunity to apply for the Watson Institute Accelerator Program was posted in the Post School Success(PSS) Google Classroom by Misco (Post School Success Manager). At the same time being in the Ashoka network, it was shared in a WhatsApp group that we have.
The Watson Semester Accelerator is a program for college students, recent graduates, and gap-year students with an early-stage social venture/project and a passion for social impact.
Bringing SMILES to the world
I have a strong passion for social entrepreneurship and I saw this as the best space to take my venture, Smiles, to the next level. It seemed like the perfect thing to do after high school as I waited to join university and so I was so excited and dove right into drafting my essays. Little did I know that COVID-19 had other plans.
My social venture, smiles focuses on reusing and recycling clothes. Through identifying this need, I began collecting old uniforms and clothes from peers and converting them into other garments or simply donating them to the needy. Last year, I collected a total of 600 kilograms of clothes and shoes from peers.
Above: Collecting donations from peers for reusing and recycling
Applying for the Watson Accelerator Program
I shared my essays with some of my closest friends for feedback and later gave them to Misco from PSS and Bryan from Ashoka for further review. It was very constructive feedback however I realized that I was not ready to apply so in April I decided to shelf my application. Also given that we had a pandemic it discouraged me to continue.
I, therefore, took the pandemic as an opportunity to build Smiles and as I continued, the more I fell in love with the idea of learning skills to take really take it to the next level. Literally, on the date of the deadline, I polished up the drafts I had with the feedback I had received. The only reason I sent in my application was so that I would not regret and have the constant thought of ‘what if’.
Receiving the good news
On the same day I sent in my application, I received my acceptance email. I could not believe my eyes because it was literally five hours since I had pressed submit on that application! After telling my family they were so excited but my mind still could not comprehend it, to add on that I received a very generous scholarship and I felt as though things were moving so fast. Less than a week later, it finally dawned on me when we had our first orientation session.
Building Connections
It is a fully virtual program but that still has not stopped us from building really strong connections with fellow scholars from around the world. We have sessions every day that run from 8 am – 10 am MT which is 5 pm to 7 pm for me.
Above: Some of the Watson Accelerator scholars.
In addition to this, we have asynchronous content that is sent before the lesson which really cultivated self-discipline because you are the one in charge of your learning. Every Friday we have Master courses where someone experienced in the field of social entrepreneurship shares words of wisdom on how their journey has been. My favourite thing is that we have all been assigned two mentors who advise you and walk with you on your journey which is so amazing because no man is an island.
There is so much I have learnt but the most outstanding is that how much I grow and learn from life is fully dependent on the effort that I put in it. Nothing comes easy, you really have to get your hands and get dirty. It has been particularly interesting feeding off the wisdom of my fellow scholars because I am the youngest one.
I hope to come out of this having formed a strong network of people who I can learn from and even learn from each other. In addition to this, I desire to have the skills to start other social impact projects as I move through life and lead a life of impact.
Written by Jeanne Sere (Form Four student at Nova Pioneer Girls’ High School, Tatu City)
Leaving A Mark at The eKitabu Digital Essay Competition
When they set out to participate in the eKitabu Digital Essay Competition in late July, Esther Kamau and Michelle Mwikali would not have expected how things would turn out. Along with seven of their Grade 5 classmates, they submitted their entries fully aware that they were competing against much older
When they set out to participate in the eKitabu Digital Essay Competition in late July, Esther Kamau and Michelle Mwikali would not have expected how things would turn out.
Along with seven of their Grade 5 classmates, they submitted their entries fully aware that they were competing against much older students from across the country in this renowned contest which attracted over 1, 800 entries.
Being the pioneering Grade 5 class at Nova Pioneer Tatu Primary this was the school’s first-ever appearance into the competition in the primary category which is open to students from standard 5 to 8 nationally.
Above: Esther Kamau, who was ranked position two in the national essay competition.Above: Michelle Mwangi, who emerged position seven in the national essay competition
Preparing for the competition
The 2020 Digital Essay Competition question was: How is technology helping you, your family, and your community during the coronavirus pandemic? Or Ni vipi teknolojia inakusaidia wewe, familia yako na jamii yako wakati huu wa janga la ugonjwa wa korona?
Under the guidance of their teachers, Ms. Lilian Wainaina, Ms. Jane Mutuku, Ms. Mercy Indasi and Librarian Angela, the students worked long hours stretching into the weekends and late evenings, researching the question, brainstorming, drafting and redrafting their essays.
Driven by Nova Pioneer’s motto “Schools for Leaders and Innovators”, the students were clear in their minds that although they were the youngest contestants, nothing would shake their belief and determination to put in a good showing in the competition. In the true spirit of one of our culture principles of High expectations, all the students put their best foot forward in the competition.
But no one would have anticipated just how well these students would perform …
High Expectations
On Wednesday, 23rd September, the school received communication that the students had outdone themselves! Esther Kamau was ranked position two nationally while Michelle Mwikali was ranked 7th, both in the Kiswahili (Primary) category. This is especially astonishing as they were competing in the same category as students in standard 6, 7 and 8! You can read the essays by Esther and Michelle.
For her achievement, Esther will receive a computing device, scholarship funds and a certificate. Meanwhile, Michelle will receive a certificate and a gift hamper. The awards ceremony was held virtually through the eKitabu Facebook page on Thursday 24th September.
We would like to give special commendations to the rest of our pioneering contestants for their high-quality essay submissions. Well done to Leo Volemi, Promise Mwangi, Hakeem Killingo, Amina Mohamed, Clarence Jude, Ryan Muthiga and Ryan Ndii.
More about the eKitabu Digital Essay Competition
Established in 2013, Digital Essay Competition has advanced education through the use of technology with teachers and students in all public and private schools across Kenya. Every year students respond with essays to a new question. Essays are marked by a panel of teachers, with prizes awarded for winning entries including computing devices, scholarship funds and national recognition with the Ministry of Education. Now in its 8th year, the Competition has grown with over 43,936 students, 1000 teachers, and 900 schools participating since 2013.
Adapting To Change Covid-19 outbreak and the sudden closure of schools meant we could not do most things we have always done while at school. This includes interactive learning activities such as online symposium, contests and seminars that bring together students and teachers from different schools to learn together
Adapting To Change
Covid-19 outbreak and the sudden closure of schools meant we could not do most things we have always done while at school. This includes interactive learning activities such as online symposium, contests and seminars that bring together students and teachers from different schools to learn together and engage in positive competitive activities.
United by a common purpose
As a group of passionate educators, united by our love for Geography, we saw a need to create a platform for both students and educators to share ideas. Being an interactive subject there is a need for a space to converse and perhaps even shift students’ perception and mindset on the subject.
The Nova Pioneer Geography Department which comprises Geography teachers across all our High Schools from Nova Pioneer Tatu Girls, Tatu Boys, Eldoret Girls and Eldoret Boys, decided to bring together teachers and students using online platforms. “Power is gained by sharing knowledge, not hoarding it”.~ Anonymous. It is our hope that this will be a platform where knowledge is shared with stakeholders.
Empowering Our Teachers & Students
To start us off we began with an online forum for teachers where we launched Geography Teachers Open Mic Forums on 31st July 2020, with an objective of sharing ideas on how to enhance teaching and learning of geography. During these sessions, we have two to three facilitators who take the teachers through various topics. As it is also important for teachers to feel empowered in their craft.
Having successfully hosted the teacher forums, we saw the need to launch an online symposium and mini-contest that will bring together students from different schools. The objective is to have our students learn from each other, with guidance from teachers. We will be hosting our first Nova Pioneer Geography Online Symposium and Mini-Contest on 25th of September 2020. This will be a first of many as we aim to have these sessions at least once a month.
The main activities during this first symposium include:
Quiz for all student participants
Group discussions on set questions and guided by teachers.
Talk from Ms. Scholastica Muchagi, The Head of Geography Subject at Baricho High School, Kirinyaga County.
Registration and participation in the virtual symposium is open to all geography teachers and high school students from any school.
Our Goal
Through this platform, we aim to have the students acquire a deeper understanding of the subject and develop their content mastery. The learners will gain effective answering skills that will help them score highly in an exam set up. The event will expose the students to creative ways of learning and thus foster a positive attitude towards the subject and infuse the joy in learning.
For teachers, the Symposium will create a platform where they can build a strong network that will provide great inspiration, encouragement and professional growth.
There will also be awarding certificates in soft copy in the following categories: Top four students per Form in the quiz, Top two students overall in the quiz, Most active and impactful students in each group discussion, and Teachers will get a certificate for participation and leading discussion.
We take this opportunity to invite all students and teachers to join us in our online symposium and Mini-Contest.
You can register to join the symposium by clicking on this link here
The Journey To Nova Pioneer
My journey and decision to enroll my son Yasin at Nova Pioneer was not an easy one, for lack of better words, I would say it all started in earnest. Assessing some of the traditional factors a lot of families I know consider as metrics in selecting High Schools it
My journey and decision to enroll my son Yasin at Nova Pioneer was not an easy one, for lack of better words, I would say it all started in earnest. Assessing some of the traditional factors a lot of families I know consider as metrics in selecting High Schools it was clear that this choice was very unconventional.
Yasin emerged among the top candidates in the 2019 K.C.P.E exams in Bungoma County. He scored 426 marks and was offered a much coveted spot at The Alliance High School. My friends, colleagues and family members thought I had lost my mind to forego that chance for Nova Pioneer. Most of them had never heard about the school and kept wondering how I would afford it.
In light of the societal pressure that came with my son joining Nova Pioneer, I have spent the first half of this year reflecting on his experience so far and what he has been able to achieve, and my heart is filled with immutable joy and pride. As much as the Ministry of Education has declared this academic year null, the virtual learning experience he has gained in the past five months will never be taken away from him. He is better prepared for the information age.
Yasin’s Nascent Interests and How We Got Here
Since childhood, Yasin has always been very inquisitive and curious about machines. I remember how he would make makeshift airplanes from carton boxes. Yasin’s favourite tv channel has always been the discovery family ‘Ultimate car build off’ Henceforth, I discovered that Yasin had a passion for engineering. He had the ability to focus and concentrate on his projects for long.
As a child, he turned our study room into his mini workshop where he would stay all day and late into the night working on his inventions whenever he was not attending school. Having paid close attention to his consistency and resolve, I was always left with many questions: what do I want for my son? Why do I want it? How do I make it happen? It was clear to me that a more unique educational approach would give him better exposure and develop his passion.
When Yasin was 11 years old his passion for engineering had developed so much that he insisted on going for the National Science and Engineering fair which was held at Kibabii High School in Bungoma. Whenever I would go with him to the school where I currently teach, he was always drawn to the physics laboratory where he would check out the school projects and apparatus.
With the discovery of his interests, it was crucial to find a school that would hold space for his love for building and discovering and further guiding and shaping his curiosity. As an educator, I had been following Christopher Khaemba’s unique education approach from Friends School Kamusinga to Alliance High School and then to The African Leadership Academy in South Africa. With Mr. Khaemba at the helm of Nova Pioneer’s leadership team, I was confident that Nova Pioneer’s focus on Project Based Learning, innovation and leadership, will add an insurmountable amount of value to Yasin’s life.
Making It Work: Overcoming The Hurdles
As a family, we were already head over heels in love with the school after bringing Yasin for his interview at the Tatu City campus. It was clear to us after he got his offer that it would be an uphill task to tell Yasin that the cost of attendance at Nova Pioneer would be prohibitive. From the look of things, our modest earnings as teachers would not allow us to foot the cost of Yasin attending Nova Pioneer.
As normal parents would do, we had to pull our resources together and figure out a way to make it work. Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Armed with determination and supplemental income from dairy farming and poultry keeping, I joined a merry go round, table banking group of six ladies called Blessed Sisters where we contribute thirty thousand shillings per month. Through the help of this group, I managed to complete the full year fees for Yasin by July. This has given me much flexibility to plan ahead and ensure that I’m consistently ahead on payments. “No Human is Limited” – Eliud Kipchoge.
Above: Yasin and his mum (Dorcas) during their first visit to Nova Pioneer Boys’ Secondary, Tatu City.
Learning During A Pandemic.
When the government closed all learning institutions in March, learning at Nova never stopped. They simply transitioned to virtual learning. As a teacher in an inadequately resourced school, I was unable to facilitate virtual classes for my students and therefore took this time to attend my son’s online classes. This experience has been nothing short of amazing and eye-opening. The things Yasin is able to do on the laptop make me very happy given he didn’t learn any computer in primary school.
My personal favorite sessions have been the morning barazas. I vividly recall Dr. Benson Kairu(The school Principal) on one of the barazas talking to the young men about the Marshmallow experiment. It was very gripping to see how his points on exercising patience, self-control, and putting off instant gratification, were delivered in such a simple and relatable yet very practical manner.
I have also learned a lot just by observing the teachers. They have been extraordinarily consistent in their commitment to serve the learners at times, even late into the night. I remember a time when Yasin was doing revision for his midterm exam and encountered some difficulties in his calculations, he immediately sought help from his teacher of Mathematics (Mr. Carlos Ominde) who gave him feedback through email at around 11 pm. He often called Mr.Katumo his teacher of English late in the night for consultation and always got sorted.
The delivery of lessons has been world-class. Their lessons are always interactive and the teachers always go above and beyond in ensuring the classes, albeit virtual, are conducive for learning. It was very endearing to see how even in the virtual classes, the collaborative approach to learning is adhered to. The break out rooms, class presentations and projects enhance the Joy of learning. My snaps and shout outs go to all F1S1 teachers: Mr.Abucheri, Mr.Hisabu, Mr.Kerabu, Ms.Wafula, Ms.Shanyisa, Mr.Nyamu, Mr.Ngahu, Ms.Kimetto and all the others.
Furthermore, the young men carry out projects either individually or in groups assigned to them by the teachers. The projects have helped Yasin develop research skills and he’s now more capable of doing such things on his own without supervision. The projects that are done as a group have enabled Yasin to embrace the culture principle; greater together. In fact, together with his classmates like Kizito, Okoth and Muhando, they have gone as far as creating their own zoom meetings to discuss and prepare for exams in the evenings. They are now working on the Post School Success Project with Mr.Hisabu as their faculty member.
Through the virtual learning that the school has implemented, I can stand as a proud parent to say that Yasin has developed a high form of discipline and self-startership. He always shows up for all the classes in time and has never missed to put on his uniform even for a single day. To add on to that, the school through the end of term report card has shown that everything that takes place in the classroom counts. This is seen when the report card entails the opener exam, quick quizzes, quizzes, midterm exam and projects. Through this, the young men are able to understand that they need to take everything seriously since they sum up to the final result.
The Nova Pioneer curriculum designers have gone out of their way to support teachers with truly engaging lesson plans. There’s the incorporation of audio-visual resources such as eye-catching videos and pictures. The reading of novels that are not KCSE set texts is worth mentioning. This term for example the Form Ones studied Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. I remember recently when I wanted to buy a cooker Yasin engaged me on the possibility of buying it online. I showed much valid apprehension to his idea as I wanted to see it first before I made the purchase. Yasin was able to draw a relatable comparison with a character from Chinua Achebe’s book that left me tongue-tied. He insisted I should not be like Okonkwo and that I should consider changing with the times! As a teacher of English and Literature myself, this comparison made me proud. It speaks to the level of relatability and relevance the content they are being exposed to really is.
This is indeed a great journey of hope and faith. I am certain that by the time Yasin gets to Form Four, he will have developed tremendously. My prayer is that he later joins an Ivy League University to pursue Engineering. I have faith that through Nova Pioneer’s robust international exposure modules courtesy of the Post School Success Team, he will be able to make it.
I highly recommend Nova Pioneer for any parent out there who has big dreams for their child. Champions are truly made from a desire, a dream and a vision!
Impact of Virtual Learning On My Students
I love teaching because I am helping shape the life of a learner. Watching my learners accomplish milestones is always rewarding to me. Some of the accomplishments include: seeing a child learn a routine to a point where I don’t have to give reminders, watching a once reserved child stand
I love teaching because I am helping shape the life of a learner. Watching my learners accomplish milestones is always rewarding to me. Some of the accomplishments include: seeing a child learn a routine to a point where I don’t have to give reminders, watching a once reserved child stand before a whole class or a school and do a presentation, a skit or lead a baraza, seeing a child hold a writing tool and write letters or their name, read a word, create a car using objects and most recently witnessing the impact of the virtual learning program in my students. Teaching is truly a blessing.
My career in teaching began nine years ago when I had my second child. This was sparked by my interest to know more about children and their growth. The more I read, the more I became fascinated. My first course was in Management of Information Systems. I then enrolled for a certificate in Child Development and Education and that’s how my teaching career started. I later went back to do a Diploma on the same. It was amazing, Children are amazing.
Above: Ms. Fintern with some of her students before school closed
Adapting to change
When the announcement was made that schools would close in March, it didn’t seem so serious at the time. We thought it would only be a few days or weeks. It took a different turn and it felt so surreal. Not being able to interact with your students on a personal level is not easy. Having to shelve the goals you have on student growth especially when it comes to skills such as building collaboration was also not easy.
But just like with all circumstances in life, we must learn to adapt. As a school, we decided to make the switch to online learning. Being an innovative school we were able to adapt so well and so quickly to virtual learning. All teachers have laptops and are tech-savvy which came in handy as we made the switch to online learning.
Virtual learning means putting in more effort at connecting with your students as they won’t be seeing you the whole day as they have been used to. It also involves ensuring values and virtues are instilled so they can continue the good behaviour at home, connecting more with their parents and creating content that they can understand and work on with minimal supervision. It’s a whole new level of growth for both teachers and students and I have fully embraced it albeit, I miss my homeroom.
Helping learners get on board
My students found it hard to understand why they needed to stay home because all they wanted was to come to school. We had to take time to really explain and make them understand why they couldn’t come to school or spend time with their teachers and friends. It is important to us that we empower our students with all the necessary information on current happenings.
We did a lot of educating on coronavirus as well, and preventive measures. The school counselor also prepares weekly bulletins to help students manage different challenges during this period and it’s going on well.
In the beginning, there were some challenges as both teachers and learners adapted to virtual learning. One of the challenges was classroom management, use of technology for the students and finding a balance with the parents especially those with young ones who need close supervision, for both parents working from home and those leaving for work.
Another challenge is not having all your students for a meeting and especially if it’s a meeting where you want to set expectations for the week, talk about a value that needs to be lived out that week and a culture principle to be shown at home.
Timetables and Schedules
For the lesson delivery of our virtual learning program, I go through the lesson plan and internalize it. I then check on what I need like props and prepare a background or realia for the lesson.
I then prepare a powerpoint that I can share with the students during the lesson and we go through it with my line manager to see if there are any additions or omissions that I can make for excellence. The powerpoint in my case has to be child friendly with relevant videos and images as I prepare lessons for 4-5 year olds.
After that, I do a recording of my lesson using zoom and then upload it to google classroom where all students can access it.
We have our morning meetings with the students via zoom for 30 minutes from 9 am. This is where we set expectations and introduce topics and themes for the week.
Students then access lessons via google classroom and these are pre-recorded for ease of access at any time during the day. We also have live lessons that run through the day with breaks in between for the upper grades.
Impact of Virtual learning
Virtual learning as I said before is a blessing. There has been tremendous growth in our students especially in regards to technology.
Some students are able to log in to their classroom or own meetings and join with minimal supervision. We have students uploading work and submitting assignments on google classrooms. This has made us realize that our students are go-getters, problem solvers and true innovators.
Students have also learnt to be self- managers and this is where our weekly values come in. They want to show integrity, responsibility and honesty so they do their work even in the absence of their parents especially those who are away at work.
And for a primary school student to be able to join an online class, work on assignment and submit it via google classroom, that is a great achievement. It means we are truly getting it right when it comes to developing a school of innovators and leaders.
Making a peacock while learning about birds
Adapting & learning at the same time
Online learning has come with some great advantages as well. I have noticed that my students have adapted some skills that they would not necessarily have easily grasped within the normal classroom set up.
Time management skills: Being at home means a lot of distractions and for students to adhere to the strict timetables set is an achievement. Being able to log into a meeting or online class ,find time to do assignments and submit before the deadline and not getting distracted by things like TV and movies is real growth.
Technology: Students being able to log into meetings, learning to use the mute and unmute feature when answering questions, learning to put their hand up if they have a point to put across or if they want to answer a question, submitting work online. These are real achievements that students have come to learn as they adapt to online learning.
The other day a student asked if I could log into my computer and see her helping her aunt to bake a cake. I was so impressed because this is a four year old who already knows that nothing is impossible when it comes to technology. Of course, I enjoyed watching her cook as she explained to me everything that she was doing.
What we have achieved so far
Continued learning : Our students have been able to learn and gain more knowledge despite the pandemic. We have had great projects going on ,built reading skills, had fitness programs and the list is endless.
Keeping connections alive: Ican’t imagine not being able to connect to my students for such a long time. Virtual learning had enabled this and it’s been amazing.
Close parent-teacher interactions: We have managed to connect more with parents due to virtual learning and this helps us understand students’ background. Getting to know each other and build relationships and connections which are in turn beneficial to the students.
Favorite Moments
Students enjoy the live meetings, seeing their friends and being able to ask and answer questions from home.
Some students are also happy to be spending more time with their parents and while initially it was difficult because of ‘My teacher doesn’t do it like that’ syndrome, they have become accustomed to it and are now happier.
Some of the projects they are working on while at home, this was a nature crown that they made.
Students also love the projects that they get to do at home. Two weeks ago we tasked them with creating a weather chart, recording weather for the day and becoming a meteorologist. At the end of the week, they were required to give a report of the week’s weather. They were quite excited about it.
A sample of the weather report projectProject: Collecting pictures of birds and making a bird frame using recycled materials
The idea of having their own email addresses has also been well received ,the independence that comes with owning your own address where you can log in and access lessons as well as submit assignments.
I am remarkably proud of our students, on the Joy of Learning & High Expectations exhibited from the inception of our virtual learning program up until now. They are truly the future innovators and leaders that will shape the continent.
Even With Schools Closed, Learning Must Continue
With the necessity of social distancing in the time of Covid, it is important to offer students avenues for learning to continue so that learning loss can be curbed – because even with schools closed, learning must continue. As an educator, I miss being in our schools and interacting with
With the necessity of social distancing in the time of Covid, it is important to offer students avenues for learning to continue so that learning loss can be curbed – because even with schools closed, learning must continue.
As an educator, I miss being in our schools and interacting with our students. Hearing laughter in class and along the corridors as I watch students explore their individual interests.
However, the reality is that Covid-19 has presented the unimaginable for teachers and learners across the world.
Keeping up with the rest of the world
International organisations that work to safeguard the rights of children such as Save the Children, UNICEF, Plan International and many others have come together and given recommendations on finding ways to keep children safe and learning during and after Covid-19 crisis.
Many of the current estimates of learning loss from COVID-19 already present a worrying picture for young Africans.
Our colleagues at the Brookings Institution and the World Bank estimate that, with just four months of lost schooling and little change in the quality of education, the lifetime earnings of today’s students in the United States will be greatly reduced, representing a loss of nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP over subsequent generations.
What might that look like for us as Kenyans? What ripple impact will that cause for us? This is a global challenge and we therefore can’t ignore what statistics from across the globe indicate.
At Nova Pioneer, we believe it is our duty as educators to still forge forward, despite existing challenges, so students experience as minimal disruption as possible.
We are committed to staying up to date with what the rest of the world is doing in matters education so your children, our students, are well-equipped to solve real world problems.
Introducing a Virtual Learning Programme
At Nova Pioneer, we decided to design and offer a Virtual Learning Programme to families for two reasons:
so our students experience minimal learning loss during this time while they are physically away from campus; and
to help students retain some form of normalcy by providing them the opportunity to connect with teachers and other students, giving them a sense of connection amidst all the changes they are experiencing.
We believe that keeping children engaged in meaningful learning experiences while at home during this time, will help them improve and maintain the skills they need for once they are back in the classroom.
We have made the switch
Our Virtual Learning Programme has been designed to ensure learning milestones are achieved and offers children the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve so that they are ready to begin the 2021 school year feeling confident and prepared to do well.
The programme is structured to run in three consecutive 4-week periods, spanning a total of 3 months and starting 7 September.
It also offers parents flexibility to choose preferred classes and activities. The programme comprises of three blocks a day and they focus on [1] Academic Mastery, [2] developing Innovation and Leadership Skills and [3] participating in Enrichment activities. Families can select up to two classes from each of the blocks.
The Virtual Learning Programme offers parents flexibility. It’s not a one size fits all. You decide what you want your child to focus on.
You may want your child to (1) improve and master their academic skills; (2) develop their character and entrepreneurial skills; (3) Or cultivate skills in new areas. The programme offers the opportunity to opt into classes and courses that appeal most to you and your child.
The programme is aimed at encouraging students to:
adapt to a new way of learning;
connect with students beyond our national borders through cross geo classes with peers from South Africa and Korea through a virtual exchange programme;
continuously reflect on their own personal development; and
contribute to finding solutions to real world problems through projects set out in their classes.
Academic Classes
Our Academic classes encourage inquiry instruction, critical thinking, project based learning, independent learning and self-discovery. Our teachers are well trained to deliver the curriculum in a fun and interactive virtual environment.
Innovation & Leadership Classes
In our Hallmark classes, we focus on ensuring that our students are learning to think and behave like innovators and leaders. Students are given the opportunity to develop their character and entrepreneurship skills at an early age. Students are exposed early to finance and savings and learn about African history as they grow to become our leaders of today. In these classes, students gain an appreciation for research and analytical thinking as they explore solutions to problems that they observe, and test them with their peers and in the community.
Enrichment Classes
Our Enrichment classes are designed to allow our students to focus on skill based classes that they are personally passionate about in a fun and interactive manner. Skills from art and drawing to public speaking, digital literacy and many more.
Students can cultivate skills in new areas, explore and develop their interests and ultimately strengthen their values while gaining skills that go beyond the classroom walls. Enrichment classes allow students to use Math to calculate measurements in plants, Geography when learning about Bible characters and the value of collaboration through group Music lessons.
Speak to our Admissions Team
Are you ready to take this journey with us and start your child’s application process to enrol into our Virtual Learning Programme? We will work with you closely to ensure your questions are answered and that your child’s application is submitted. Complete this form and we will reach out to you!
Raising Readers Program
The COVID-19 is a unique pandemic that led to the closure of schools. As educators, we had a need to stay connected to the learners as well as develop a reading culture focused on the three main languages taught at school i.e English, Kiswahili & French. This gave rise to the
The COVID-19 is a unique pandemic that led to the closure of schools. As educators, we had a need to stay connected to the learners as well as develop a reading culture focused on the three main languages taught at school i.e English, Kiswahili & French. This gave rise to the Raising Readers program- an evening reading program that takes place every week in an effort to build and promote a reading culture in our learners.
The reading program focuses on nurturing a learner’s listening and comprehension skills.
We facilitate student learning and imagination online by sharing colourful pictures, engaging stories by our best readers. There is an emphasis on drawing language patterns and simplifying complex concepts for students.
Above: Our learners taking part in the weekly Raising Readers Program
During these sessions, our learners are taken through a guided reading session that tests both their listening and comprehension skills. Once the reading is done, the learners go through a series of questions to gauge their understanding.
Each learner is then given an opportunity to answer questions and the rest of the class would appreciate their classmate through some snaps. This is also a great way to boost the learner’s confidence in the classroom.
It’s a joy to see students smiling curiously through the stories and participating fully. We look forward to hosting more of these events where we can promote a reading culture in our young ones from an early age.