Course Overview
As a student, you must have an idea or confidently be aware of what education means. Just for a reminder, it’s simply the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction to learners, especially at a school, college, university or any other formal or informal training establishment. Training in this field will equip you with skills and knowledge required to become a competent teacher. Professionals in this field are therefore known as teachers or tutors among other titles depending on one’s level of education. Secondary school teachers for instance, help in preparing students for life after graduation. Their work involves teaching students academic lessons and other important skills that students will need to attend college, university or enter the job market.
The Bachelor of Education (Arts) is a four year course that is designed to prepare educators and teachers within the teacher training prescriptions of the Ministry of Education and the Secondary School education system in Kenya. The programme is therefore designed to produce professionally qualified teachers who will be competent in teaching arts subjects at secondary school level. The curriculum of the programme has been designed to allow students combine teaching subjects from the school of arts and social sciences. Subjects which students are allowed to choose a combination include; geography, literature, Kiswahili, history, economics, religion and English while mathematics will be offered by School of Science.
The design of the course provides students with adequate opportunities in both theory and practice of education in order to train and produce qualified graduate teachers or educators for the achievement of the national goals of education and development. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be professionally qualified teachers who will be able to identify and develop the intellectual needs of the learners as well as having the competency in teaching two subjects at secondary school level among other duties.
Entry Requirement
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 ENG/KIS, Subject 2 MAT A / MAT B or any GROUP II, Subject 3 any GROUP III, Subject 4 a GROUP II or 2nd GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a teacher
If you are passionate about education and can inspire and motivate young people and interested in a career that can help to prepare young people for a fulfilling life after school, then pursuing this course, might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can enable you grow and succeed in this profession.
Secondary school teachers possess excellent communication skills which enables them to disseminate skills effectively to the students. Communication skills are also very important when teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators. For proper transfer of knowledge to students, teachers must be knowledgeable and enthusiastic for their subjects which they have specialized in. Teachers must also be able to inspire and encourage students to work hard and live a positive life irrespective of their family backgrounds.
Teachers are also patient as like any other field, dealing with teenagers is not easy and in addition working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult, this therefore requires secondary school teachers to be patient when students struggle with material they are being trained on. Teachers are also very resourceful as they must be able to explain difficult concepts in simple terms that students can understand and be able to engage students in learning and adapt lessons to each student’s needs.
Good writing skills are equally important as teachers use chalk and boards and must have excellent writing skills to give appropriate notes and other course work. Excellent interpersonal skills are very important to ensure the teachers interact well with students, parents as well as fellow teachers. Sometimes teachers are required to spare their own time to catch up with their syllabus, this requires them to be flexible in their work.
Work environment.
Teachers mostly work in school classrooms in both public and private schools during school hours but may also work evenings and weekends to prepare lessons.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course may find employment in various educational settings both private and public learning institutions. The skills acquired from the university can also be applied in other sectors of the economy. Graduates can also use skills acquired to start their own businesses
You may also explore more education courses below.
Bachelor of Education (Science)
Bachelor of Education (Arts) in German
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education in Guidance and Counselling
Bachelor of Education in Technology Education
Bachelor of Education Arts in Home Economics
Bachelor of Education in Physical Education
Bachelor of Education in ICT
Bachelor of Education Science in Computer (unfeatured)
Bachelor of Education in Art & Design (unfeatured)
Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education
Bachelor of Education (Arts) in Music (unfeatured)
Bachelor of Education in Library Science (unfeatured)
Bachelor of Education in Home Science and Technology (unfeatured)
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education & Extension
Bachelor of Education (Arts – Business Studies) …..(unfeatured)
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies