Opinion

If senior-school maths becomes optional, the weekday still has to teach it well

First published 27 March 2025 essay · opinion · Published March 27, 2025

The March 2025 essay argued that making mathematics optional in senior school could be a relief — if the years before that door still taught maths as a tool, not a filter. Optionality without that weekday is a checkbox that girls and under-resourced schools will pay for.

Kurasa opinion, updated September 2026. Consult current Ministry and curriculum guidance when advising families about official pathway requirements.

Opinion, first published March 2025 and updated September 2026. Confirm current senior-school subject requirements with the Ministry of Education before advising a family.

Portrait of an adult Kenyan woman teacher in an empty classroom with a chalkboard of working.

What the opinion actually said

All learners need opportunities to read a bill, interpret a graph and use mathematics in everyday decisions. Learners pursuing STEM also need sustained subject practice. Discuss these needs alongside the subjects and pathways available at their school.

Who loses if we are careless

Make time for learners who need encouragement, practice or access to a subject specialist. Use their classroom work and interests in pathway discussions, and consult current official guidance with the family.

What PSL is, and is not

Daily Challenge is five questions after supper. PSL Summative is a programme sitting. Neither is a ministry policy and neither “saves the education system.” They are practice and a public paper for schools that choose them. The weekday in Workspace is still the year.