Dear Counsellor, I am in S2 and an excellent arts student but I really do poorly in sciences.  I have tried to get help from fellow students and even teachers but my performance in those subjects does not improve. Am I just slow? Why can’t I grasp those topics like I do in literature or even history? What else can I do? Joseph

-----

Science can be intimidating at times and one can find it difficult to adapt, especially if you don’t have a solid foundation in science subjects. However, more concentration in class could lead to greater improvement. Develop effective study skills and learn to participate in class.  If you’ve got study skills that you apply in other subjects, use them in science as well. However, while science is important, not everyone has the ability to excel in science subjects. People say "you have to put in effort to get results”. That’s very true, but effort without ability is wasted. Some people are gifted in arts and some science because those are the areas their mental ability can handle. You can’t stretch beyond your capability just because science is important. Art, like any other field, can be a great source of income and something to take pride in if you work hard.

Remember arts cut across a wide spectrum of studies, including business and education. It has an impact on nearly every aspect of our lives – from working to socialising, networking, accessing knowledge and living well. Great performance in art subjects may benefit you much better in the future than science will. You need to focus on a subject that fits your interest and ability in order to ‘cement’ your contribution to the building of society. Maximise your potential and fully develop your talent to attain a hopeful future.  Simple factors such as happiness, or a sense of fulfilment, are enough to celebrate your achievement in the line of arts. 

Let your passion and abilities become your guiding principle in making your career choice. My advice is that if you give it your best and science subjects continue to make your study time hard, don’t dwell too much on pursuing something that you know in the end won’t achieve positive results. Rather, focus on your career of interest as that will motivate you to push forward and achieve more in the future. If you have the passion and motivation to ‘stay ahead of the game’, then a career in arts can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This is what you need, especially now that you’re successfully navigating through secondary education, and you know where your passion and ability is.

Their thoughts...

Joshua Mwidya, university student

Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s normal to perform better in some subjects than others because of your interest. My advice is that you channel this interest in arts towards science subjects too. For instance, give more time to science subjects and do research. -----

Claude B Nshimiyimana, University graduate

It’s obvious that you already have a negative attitude towards science subjects and so you’ll never improve. It is this poor attitude that will make any effort fruitless. In my opinion, change your attitude towards science subjects and have confidence that you can do as well as you do in arts. -----

Diana Ingabire, University student

Do you ever ask yourself how other students manage to excel in science and art subjects? They don’t prioritise one subject over others. A good student will value all subjects and put in equal effort.  Be confident in yourself and you will excel. -----

Maureen M Mutoni, university student

A good student never gives up. Every day is an opportunity to improve. Stay focused, and do revision with other students, also, consult your teachers as often as possible. However, in A level, choose an arts combination because that’s where your passion is.