The Teachers Service Commission has launched a TSC retooling programme for senior school teachers of Media Technology, Film and Theatre to close capacity gaps in the Competency-Based Education (CBE) Sports and Creative Arts Pathway. The three-week, hands-on course combines technical skills, learner-centred pedagogy and digital literacy so teachers can deliver practical, assessment-aligned lessons for Grades 10–12.
Key Takeaways
- Who: TSC-registered teachers, TTC tutors and qualified club supervisors delivering Media Technology, Film and Theatre.
- When: Cohort one attends in-person training from 23 November to 12 December 2026; cohort two follows in April 2027.
- How: A mix of theory and practical sessions, with baseline digital literacy required (email, LMS access, basic computer use).
- Main goals: Build technical competence, strengthen learner-centred pedagogy and integrate current media technologies into teaching.
- Challenges: Equipment shortages, need for follow-up support, and equitable rollout across counties.
Why the TSC retooling programme matters
The CBE approach emphasises practical competencies over rote exams. Subjects like Media Technology and Film require more than textbooks: they need cameras, editing tools, sound equipment and teachers who can guide hands-on production work. The TSC retooling programme aims to ensure teachers can translate technical skills into effective classroom instruction and assessments.
Programme goals and approach
The training targets three core outcomes:
- Technical competence: Operation of cameras, audio equipment, editing software and stage production basics.
- Pedagogical skills: Applying project-based, learner-centred methods—facilitating collaboration, critique and reflection.
- Technology integration: Using current media tools and platforms to engage learners and prepare them for the creative economy.
Sessions combine short theoretical briefs with extended practical workshops so teachers can both learn new tools and plan how to assess practical work under CBE.
Who is eligible and expected requirements
Nominees must be confirmed through the official TSC nomination process. The memo identifies three eligible categories:
- TSC-registered teachers and TTC tutors with recognised teaching qualifications (DSTE, B.Ed., DTE), including Special Needs Education streams.
- TSC-employed teachers with additional qualifications in relevant creative fields (Mass Communication, Film and Theatre, Graphic Design, Sound Production, Photography, etc.).
- Teachers who lead related co-curricular activities (drama, media clubs, journalism) and need formal competency alignment with the CBE curriculum.
All participants must be able to use email, access an LMS and operate a computer; those less confident should strengthen basic digital skills before the course.
Timelines, delivery model and expected commitments
The programme uses a cluster-and-hub delivery model. Cohort one counties attend a three-week in-residence course (23 Nov–12 Dec 2026) in designated cluster venues. Cohort two follows in April 2027 at scheduled training hubs. Concentrating equipment and facilitators enables deeper practical work and fosters professional networks among teachers.
Role of County and Regional Directors, and school heads
Regional and County Directors must ensure nominations follow TSC procedures, inform nominees promptly, and prepare schools for teacher absences. School heads should organise classroom cover, support participant release, and plan how returned teachers will apply new skills—through timetabling practical lessons, allocating equipment time and encouraging peer mentoring.
Anticipated challenges and recommendations
Key obstacles and suggested actions:
- Equipment gaps: Schools lacking cameras, computers or editing software should prioritise resource sourcing through county funds, partnerships or community support.
- Sustainability: Single residencies need follow-up mentorship, refresher courses and LMS-based peer learning to embed skills.
- Equity of rollout: Clear timelines and communication reduce frustration for counties scheduled later; interim remote supports can help bridge the delay.
Expected benefits for teachers, learners and the sector
Well-designed retooling can convert informal club experience into formal classroom competence, boost teacher confidence in practical assessments, and give learners realistic pathways into film, broadcasting, content creation and performance careers. For the education sector, it represents an investment in the creative industries and in the successful implementation of the CBE Sports and Creative Arts Pathway.
Practical next steps for interested teachers
- Confirm eligibility categories with your County Director and request official nomination where applicable.
- Refresh basic digital skills—email, LMS navigation and basic file management—before training begins.
- Plan how to apply new skills at your school: identify potential equipment, timetable practical sessions and set up peer support groups.
Teachers delivering Grades 10–12 may also review the senior school curriculum to align practical activities with assessment goals; see the senior school curriculum designs for reference. Practical lesson ideas and templates can be found in the CBC lesson plans, while sample Grade 10 assessments are available at free Grade 10 exams.
Summary
The TSC retooling programme offers a targeted, practical response to a known shortfall in creative arts teaching under CBE. With proper follow-up, equipment support and clear coordination at county level, the initiative can raise the standard of Media Technology, Film and Theatre teaching and give learners meaningful, skills-based education in the creative pathway.
