Science society aids schools

As the National Examinations Council prepares to examine students on science practicals for the very first time, the Royal Society of England has trained chemistry teachers’ trainers who will help increase the number of examiners to facilitate the activity this September.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Chemistry teachers undergoing training at APRED Ndera (Photo. C.Kwizera)

As the National Examinations Council prepares to examine students on science practicals for the very first time, the Royal Society of England has trained chemistry teachers’ trainers who will help increase the number of examiners to facilitate the activity this September.

The three-day training that brought together eighteen chemistry teachers from several schools around the country was held at at Groupe Scolaire APRED Ndera in Gasabo district.

Speaking to The New Times, the Headmaster of APRED Ndera, Andrew Kalisa, said that the training was so crucial especially at a time when the council is preparing to do something that has never been done before.

"You see, we have been teaching science subjects theoretically, but now that there is going to be a practical exams, there has been problems of teachers themselves not knowing how to handle the apparatus in the laboratories,” explained Kalisa.

"The acceptance of the trainers from Royal Society of Chemistry to train our teachers in chemistry practical has come at the right time and clearly demonstrates that they have great affection towards the people of Rwanda,” he said.

Jean M. Johnson the head of the trainers, urged the teachers not to sit on the acquired knowledge, but to pass it on.

"By the time we began the training, most of you were not familiar with the tools here, but the rate at which you have learnt these things is remarkable,” she said.

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