The government of Uganda through the National Curriculum Development Centre has finally released the new ICT syllabus for lower secondary. The new syllabus replaces the old Computer Studies syllabus which was last updated in 2008. According to NCDC, this syllabus is touted to be skills based as opposed to the old one which was knowledge based. In this article we get a quick look at the new syllabus and a few differences between it and the old Computer Studies Syllabus.
Related: Summary of the Subsidiary ICT Syllabus
Number of Topics in the new Syllabus
The new syllabus has 14 topics as opposed to the old one that had 12 topics. The topics in the new syllabus include;
- Introduction to ICT
- Computer hardware and system startup
- File and folder management
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Electronic Presentation
- Information Access and Sharing
- Health and Safety
- Electronic Publication
- Database Management Systems
- Web Design
- Electronic Waste Management
- Basic Software Management
- System and Data Security
All the above topics are grouped into 4 themes which include;
- Computer Systems
- Data Management & Sharing
- ICT Safety & Environment and
- Publications
What’s missing in the new ICT Syllabus for Lower Secondary?
Notably missing from the new syllabus is Programming and Trends in Computing. It’s not yet clear whether the Evolution of Computers is included in the new syllabus.
Bonuses in the new syllabus
A bonus in the new syllabus is the introduction of the use of e-mail and internet and the skilling of students in installing and uninstalling software. To me, this was long overdue and in fact, E-zone School of Computing has been teaching these to learners as young as 10 years on how to do this. This prepares students for the real world at an early age.
Also introduced in the new ICT syllabus for lower secondary is a topic of Electronic Publishing. This is one of the topics in the A-level ICT syllabus. Students will get skills in publishing documents like business cards, success cards, certificates and the like using desktop publishing software.
Where to get the new Syllabus
The new ICT syllabus for lower secondary has already been delivered in hard copy to schools around the country. Your school library must by now have a copy of this new syllabus.
However, those who wish to have their own copy will have to part with Ug. Sh 30,000 paid at the National Curriculum Development Center in Kyambogo. You can get in touch with NCDC on Tel. +256 393 112 088 or through their email: admin@ncdc.go.ug.
The ICT Teachers’ Association of Uganda was proud to have one of their own, Mr. Mubiru Joshua Mugerere as part of the team that was responsible for this game changing development. Mr. Mubiru is the Vice Chairperson of the ICT Teachers Association in the Central Region and can be reached on +256 782 527 019 for first hand information about this syllabus.
Stephen Dumba
E-zone School of Computing
+256 772 111 223 / +256 752 111 223
