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Frequently Asked Questions

More about the ACE Curriculum

Frequently asked questions

What parents ask before joining Asifiwe

Straight answers about the ACE curriculum, how it is recognised in Uganda, and what to expect from preschool to university.

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About the ACE curriculum

What is the ACE curriculum?

The A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education) curriculum is a self-paced, mastery-based educational system that emphasises individualised learning. It integrates academics with Biblical values, focusing on character development, goal setting, and critical thinking.

Students work through self-instructional PACEs (Packets of Accelerated Christian Education) across core subjects like mathematics, natural sciences, social studies and language arts, allowing them to progress at their own speed. ACE promotes both academic achievement and spiritual growth.

Why choose the ACE curriculum?
  • An individualised programme. ACE offers an individualized program where a child interacts with theirlevel determined by a diagnostic test (A diagnostic test is an assessmenttool used to evaluate a student's academic level. The test aims to identify learning gaps and determine the appropriate starting point for students within the ACE curriculum.) The child can move to the next at any time once they master the concepts allowing continuous personalized progression..
  • Scripture throughout. Scripture is embedded into the entire curriculum, with biblical principles integrated into every subject and reinforced through daily school programs like devotions creating a holistic education that nurtures both academic growth and spiritual development.
  • Character building. Character building is integrated throughout the entire curriculum, with over 60 traits like responsibility, kindness, punctuality, gratitude, courage, obedience, and forgiveness, helping children develop strong, positive character as they grow.
How many grades are there in ACE?

ACE starts children at four years old in preschool, even if they have no prior school experience. At five, they move to the ABCs program, followed by Grade 1, progressing through a total of 13 grades from preschool to Grade 12, after which they can proceed to university.

How do ACE grades compare with the national curriculum?
LevelACE curriculumNational curriculum
KindergartenPreschool (4 years)Baby Class
ABCs (5 years)Top Class
PrimaryGrade OnePrimary One
Grade TwoPrimary Two
Grade ThreePrimary Three
Grade FourPrimary Four
Grade FivePrimary Six to Seven
Senior (O Level)Grade SixSenior One
Grade SevenSenior Two
Grade EightSenior Three
Grade NineSenior Four
Senior (A Level)Grade TenSenior Five
Grade Eleven and TwelveSenior Six
Does ACE give more attention to Christian studies than to academics?

No. ACE is a complete curriculum that covers the core subjects, including mathematics, English, social studies, science and literature, just like any other curriculum. What is different is its approach, which integrates a biblical worldview into the education process.

Starting at Asifiwe

At what age should a child begin school in an ACE school?

Four years is the recommended age, even when a child has never been in school.

What are the teaching criteria in the elementary classes for example for beginners like 4 years since the curriculum is based on Individualized learning?

The learning process combines teacher-led instruction with individualized learning for beginners like 4-year-olds. Teachers play a vital role in introducing foundational concepts such as reading, writing, numbers, and basic biblical principles through structured lessons, interactive activities, and guided practice

This approach helps young children build the skills and confidence needed before transitioning to a more self-directed, individualized learning style. Teachers provide close supervision, hands-on activities, and group learning experiences to ensure each child is well-prepared for independent learning as they advance.

What is conferencing, and why does it matter?

The essence of conferencing lies in the opportunity it provides for parents tospeak directly with teachers and learn about their child's progress, behavior at school, involvement in different activities, and areas of interest. It also helps build a strong relationship between the teacher and the parent, which in turn enhances the child’s performance.

During conferencing, as a parent, you are encouraged to ask any questions you may have about your child.

Do you have extra-curricular activities?

Yes, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities. . The ACE curriculum is designed to balance academics and extra-curricular involvement, with academic learning taking place primarily in the morning hours, while the afternoons are dedicated to various extra-curricular activities.This approach ensures students develop not only academically but also physically, socially, and creatively.

In addition to regular school-based activities, ACE schools participate in the annual ACE convention, where students engage in over 50 different games and activities, including sports, music, arts, and drama, fostering a well-rounded development.

Recognition and qualifications

Is ACE recognised in Uganda?

Yes. ACE is recognised by:

  • The Ministry of Education
  • The National Curriculum Development Centre
  • The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB)
Does ACE have academic qualifications?

Yes. ACE offers academic qualifications through the International Certificate of Christian Education (ICCE), which provides different levels of certification so that students’ achievements are recognised globally. The certificates are:

  • Foundation Certificate: for students completing their elementary studies, laying the groundwork for further education.
  • General Certificate: equivalent to the O-Level certificate, awarded to students who have completed Grade 9.
  • Intermediate Certificate: recognised as an advanced secondary education level, preparing students for higher studies.
  • Advanced Certificate: equivalent to the A-Level certificate, awarded to students who have completed Grade 12. Students use it to join universities around the world for further studies in their chosen careers.

The major certifications are the General Certificate (O-Level equivalent), which students begin working on at PACE 1085; the Intermediate Certificate, at PACE 1109; and the Advanced Certificate (A-Level equivalent), at PACE 1121.

How many years of Study would a student take to graduate from ACE curriculum on average before crossing to University?

13 (thirteen) years.

What is the International Computer Digital Literacy (ICDL)?

ICDL is a globally recognized certification that assesses and certifies essential computer skills. By enrolling our students in this program, we aim to ensure they develop a strong foundation in digital literacy, which is crucial in today's technology-driven world.

The ICDL covers a range of topics, including computer essentials, online essentials, online collaboration/internet usage, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and cyber security. These skills are not only important for academic success but are also vital for their future careers.

  • Students are required to complete seven modules before they are awarded the General Certificate(“O” Level).
  • Students who are interested in furthering their computer studies can choose Advanced ICDL as an elective in Grade 10, which includes three modules.
What subject choices can determine the child’s career?

In ACE, subject choices play a significant role in shaping a child’s career path by allowing them to focus on areas of interest and strength. Our core subjects like Math, English, Science, and Social Studies provide a strong academic foundation, while elective subjects picked when a student has started PACE 1085 (Grade 8) such as Business, Arts, Technology (Computer studies ICDL), and Biblical Studies enable students to explore potential career fields.

By selecting subjects aligned with their skills and interests, students can tailor their learning to prepare for specific career paths, whether in fields like engineering, medicine, teaching, or ministry, or another field of interest.

University and careers

Can students from ACE Curriculum be admitted to universities?

Yes, students can be admitted to universities around the world, including those in Uganda. With an internationally recognized certification, ACE graduates have successfully enrolled in universities across various countries. For Uganda, ACE results are equated to the UNEB certificate, after which students can apply to local universities

Many of our students have already been accepted into top institutions around the world and here in Uganda such as Uganda Christian University (UCU), Makerere University, Makerere Business School, and Mbarara University. You can be 100% confident that your child, after completing the ACE program, will be well-prepared and qualified to join universities both locally and internationally.

Can students from ACE Curriculum be admitted in science courses like medicine in universities?

Yes, students can be admitted to science courses like medicine in universities. The ACE curriculum provides a strong foundation in core sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, which prepares students for rigorous programs like medicine. In fact, we have several ACE alumni currently studying medicine in various universities, both locally and internationally. The comprehensive nature of the ACE curriculum ensures that students are fully equipped to pursue medical degrees and succeed in science-based careers.