A Parent's Guide to the New Lower Secondary Report Card (and how Shuleni makes it easy)

Has your child brought home their new report card, leaving you scratching your head? You're not alone. Uganda's New Lower Secondary Curriculum has introduced a revolutionary, skills-based approach to education, and with it, a brand new kind of report card. Gone are the days of simple percentage scores. The new report card offers a richer, more detailed picture of your child's progress, but many parents find it a challenge to interpret.

This is a guide to understanding what all those new sections mean, and how a tool like Shuleni can help schools present this vital information clearly and accurately.

Understanding the New Report Card

The old report card was mostly about what a student scored on a test. The new one is about what a student can do. It's a holistic assessment designed to give parents a deeper insight into their child's abilities, creativity, and overall development.

Here are the key components you will find on the new report card:

1. Competence levels

Instead of just one score for a subject, you will see a breakdown of different competence areas. For example, in Mathematics, your child might be assessed on "Calculations," "Fractions," and "Algebra". A score and a teacher's comment for each area will provide specific details on where your child excels or needs more support.

2. Continuous assessment (20%)

The new curriculum values consistent effort over one-off exams. Throughout the term, teachers evaluate students' work on projects and other classroom activities. The scores from these "Activities of Integration" contribute 20% of your child's final grade in S.4. On the report card, you will see scores and remarks detailing this ongoing progress.

3. Generic skills

This section is a game-changer. It assesses critical life skills like:

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Creativity and innovation

Communication and collaboration

Information literacy and ICT skills

Values and attitude

The teacher's comments in this area provide valuable insight into your child's character and how they work with others, skills that are crucial for success beyond the classroom.

4. Co-curricular activities

The report card also details your child's involvement in sports, clubs, and other projects. This recognizes that learning happens outside the traditional classroom and celebrates a student's broader development.

Why the new report card can be confusing

While the new report card is excellent in theory, its complexity can be a source of confusion for parents. Many are used to the old, simpler format and are unsure how to interpret the new, descriptive assessment. This can leave parents feeling disconnected from their child's academic journey and unable to provide meaningful guidance.

For parents, here's what to do:

Focus on the comments, not just the scores: The teachers' narrative on competence and generic skills provides more insight than a letter grade alone.

Engage with the school: The National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) has encouraged schools to help parents understand the new reports. Don't hesitate to ask teachers for clarification.

Embrace the holistic view: The new report card celebrates skills and development beyond traditional academics. Celebrate your child's progress in teamwork, creativity, and values.

Shuleni Software empowers schools to bridge the gap

Manually generating these detailed and complex report cards is a heavy burden for teachers and school administrators. It is time-consuming and prone to errors. This is where a dedicated report card management system is essential.

Shuleni was built for this purpose, simplifying the process of creating accurate and comprehensive new curriculum report cards. By automating the calculations, structuring the reports according to NCDC guidelines, and providing clear data, Shuleni ensures schools can focus on teaching rather than administrative tasks. This, in turn, helps ensure that parents receive accurate, timely, and easy-to-understand reports that truly reflect their child's progress.

Interested in learning more about how Shuleni Report Software can help your school navigate the new curriculum? Click Here.