Program Overview
The Ordinary Level (O-Level)is a three-year lower-secondary program (Senior 1-3) following primary education, typically serving students aged 13–16. The program is focusing on a competence-based curriculum with English as the primary medium of instruction.
Key Aspects of O-Level Education:
Structure: It is the middle stage of the 6-3-3-4 education system (Primary-O Level-A Level-University).
Curriculum: Students study a broad range of subjects, including Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Humanities (History, Geography), Languages (English, Kinyarwanda, French, Kiswahili), and technical skills like ICT and Entrepreneurship.
Assessment: The cycle culminates in National Examinations at the end of Senior 3, which determine eligibility for progression to Advanced Level (high school) or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Other assessments are done and reported to parents and students including: every day assignment, morning quiz, end unit assessments, midterm test, end term assessments etc.
Goal: The curriculum aims to develop practical, competence-based skills (minds-on and hands-on), fostering critical thinking, research, and technical skills like ICT for personal and national development.
Environment: The school is accepting boarding day schools students - girls and boys.
Upon passing the national exams, students transition to upper secondary (A-Level) to specialize in subject combinations, or enter technical schools.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the Ordinary Level (O-Level, Senior 1-3) requires successful completion of primary education, and passing the national primary leaving examinations by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) to transition into this three-year secondary cycle.
- Key requirements and details include:
- (1) Primary Certificate: Students must hold a Primary Leaving Certificate, which is earned by passing the national exams in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Kinyarwanda, English, and Social Studies.
- (2)School report from an other Secondary education institution
- (3)For students transferring from international systems or with foreign qualifications, an equivalence certificate must be obtained through the Rwanda Education Board (REB).
- (4)Admisssion test may be passed when needed
Skills and Competencies
- Upon completing Ordinary Level (O-Level) in Rwanda, students are equipped with a competence-based curriculum (CBC) focusing on 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, ICT literacy, and entrepreneurship. They demonstrate proficiency in English, basic programming, and data analysis, along with Rwandan values like integrity and self-reliance.
- Key Competencies and Skills at O-Level
- Generic Competencies (Core Skills):
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to analyze situations, evaluate information, and solve problems creatively.
- Communication: Effective use of English and other languages to convey ideas.
- Cooperation and Interpersonal Management: Working effectively in teams, practicing empathy, and respecting others.
- Research and Innovation: Using existing information to explore new concepts and finding answers.
- Literacy and Numeracy: Proficiency in reading, writing, and applying mathematical concepts.
- Entrepreneurship: Nurturing future job creators through understanding business basics.
- ICT Skills: Operating computers, using software like Microsoft Word, and basic programming.
- Subject-Specific Competencies:
- Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology): Conducting laboratory experiments safely, analyzing data, and applying scientific methods.
- Humanities/Arts: Creativity in fine arts, crafts, and understanding social/historical contexts.
- Languages: Proficiency in English, French, and Kinyarwanda.
- Cross-Cutting Skills:
- Environmental Sustainability: Understanding environmental conservation.
- Health and Hygiene: Promoting personal and community health.
- Financial Education: Understanding financial literacy.