Investigating The Relationship Between School Environment And The Academic Perfomance In Kenya Certificate Of Primary Education (KCPE) In Public Schools In Chuka Division, Tharaka Nithi County

Abstract

School environment has great impact on academic performance by children in public primary schools. Unfavourable school environment has obvious negative implications on academic welfare of the children. This study therefore sought to investigate the relationship between school environment and academic performance in KCPE in public primary schools in Chuka division, Tharaka Nithi County. The survey data was gathered usmg questionnaires and filling observational schedule .The survey respondents were randomly selected and they comprised of Educational Officers, teachers and pupils. It was found that the following factors adversely affect academic performance of students in Chuka Division. These factors are: Lack of library, dilapidated furniture, lack of enough playground, congested classrooms, insufficient learning and teaching materials, complicated curriculum, lack of pupil's books and supplementary teaching as well and also, failure in syllabus coverage. The study researcher observed that teachers are not using aids, syllabus was not well covered and the physical facilities were dilapidated in 70% of schools surveyed. The playground in approximately 30% of schools was small and classrooms in 70% of schools were congested. The study recommends that the key stakeholder in education; parents and government need to mobilise resources and revamp the physical facilities. The studies also recommend that educational stakeholder look at current curriculum and amend it to be more relevant to pupils at different learning levels.