About Secondary Education Department.

Secondary Education is managed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT). MoEVT manages a network of secondary Schools which are categorized as Government, Government Community owned, Seminaries and Non-Government (Private) secondary schools.

Secondary Education Department is responsible for provision of Secondary education in the MoEVT. It prepares students for tertiary and higher education and entry in the World of work.

Structue of Secondary Education

Secondary Education in Tanzania consists of two tiers.

• The first cycle is ordinary level (O-level), of four years post primary education. The cycle follows both a core or common national curriculum and specialized optional subjects at the end of which students sit for nationally set examinations.
• The second cycle is Advanced level (“A” level) which is two years post “O” level. The cycle follows a national curriculum and examinations. It is divided between Science and Arts streams. It prepares students for tertiary and higher education as well as entry into the world of work.

Operation of Secondary School

Secondary Schools in Tanzania can be either for boys only, Girls only or Co-educational. The majority of government, community and non–government schools are co- educational.

Management Structure of Secondary Education

The structural management of Secondary Education department under MoEVT consists of the Director and two deputy directors, desk officers and other supporting staff. The director is the head of the department. The directorate is divided into two sections namely Development and Monitoring Section and Management and Administration Section.

Development and Monitoring Section

Activities:

• Reviewing Secondary Education Curriculum, instructional materials and teaching methods,
• Setting Standards of education, student performance and achievement
• Overseeing the professional development of Secondary School teachers,
• Monitoring projects and training programmes related to Secondary Education.
• Issuing guidelines for special educational needs of students in Secondary Schools,
• Monitoring the quality of Secondary Education.

Management Section

Activities:

• Reviewing Secondary Education, policy, plans and regulations
• Processing applications and maintaining registers for the ownership, management and registration of Secondary Schools.
• Issuing guidelines for students’ transfers, exchange, services and form one and form six selections.
• Coordinating teacher recruitment, posting and deployment in Secondary Schools.
• Processing application for teaching licenses in Secondary Schools.
• Issuing guidelines on the management and administration of Secondary Schools.
• Coordinating budget preparation and financial resources allocation to Secondary Schools.

Objectives of Secondary Education

• To consolidate and broaden the scope of baseline ideas, knowledge, skills and principles acquired and developed at the primary education level,

• To enhance further development and appreciation of national unity, identity and ethic, personal integrity, respect for and readiness to work, human rights, cultural and moral values, customs, traditions and civic responsibilities and obligations;

• To promote the development of competency in linguistic ability and effective use of communication skills in Kiswahili and in at least one foreign language;

• To provide opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes and understanding in prescribed or selected fields of study;

• To prepare students for tertiary and higher education, vocational, technical and professional training;

• To inculcate a sense and ability for self-study, self-confidence and self- advancement in new frontiers of science and technology, academic and occupational knowledge, and skills;

• To prepare the student to join the world of work.

Courses/Programmes

Subjects for Secondary Education Curriculum consists both core and compulsory and optional subjects.

• Core and Compulsory subjects in Form 1 and 2 offered by all schools consists of Mathematics, English, Physics with Chemistry, Kiswahili, Biology, History, Geography, Civics and Religion.

• Optional subjects in form 1 and 2 include: Home Economics, Information and Computer Studies, Additional Mathematics, Music, Fine Art, French, Arabic, Other foreign languages, Islamic studies, Bible Knowledge and Physical Education. Students may choose none, any one or two of the listed subjects if offered at their school.

• Core subjects in Form 3 and 4 offered by all schools include: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Biology, Civics, Religion, History, Geography, Physics and Chemistry. Optional subjects in form 3 and 4 include: Home Economics, Information and Computer Studies, Additional Mathematics, Music, Fine Art, French, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Bible Knowledge, Physical Education.

• The minimum number of subjects required for Certificate of Secondary Education Examinations (CSEE) is seven (7). All candidates must select a minimum of seven (7) subjects from the core list including Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Biology and Civics which are compulsory.

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