Happy Valentine’s Day to you our readers especially parents and students who are curious about joining affordable international schools like Renaissance International Christian School. Well, you are reading the right article and here, we show you the difference between traditional education vs the Cambridge standard. To get you accurate information, John Kenny travelled to Kirinya Bukasa, where a new international school has been built. I was honestly impressed by the conducive environment, so you should probably also visit Renaissance International Christian School for yourself. Below is the conversation I had with Malcolm Muzira, the Principal at what I call one of the cheapest international schools in Uganda. Enjoy!
How did Renaissance International Christian School get their name?
The name of the school is Renaissance International Christian School. Renaissance means the rebirth of knowledge. It comes from a time and era when civilization started, and men and women wanted to put up things that ensured they were civilized. One of these was art, and other things evolved after that. Knowledge was captured both in words and visually—through paintings, monuments, and other forms of expression that still speak after many years.
So we named the school Renaissance with a strong desire and conviction that from this place, students will not only gain knowledge but also be able to apply it to change lives.
Who is the founder of Renaissance International Christian School?
I am Malcolm Edwards Muzira, the founder and principal of Renaissance International Christian School.
What is special about Renaissance International Christian School? What makes it unique?
We run the Cambridge curriculum, which is from Britain. It has different levels:
- IGCSE (O Level) – Equivalent to Senior One to Senior Four.
- AS and A2 (A Level) – Equivalent to Year 12 and Year 13.
Our uniqueness is that we do not just focus on giving students results and certificates at the end of each level. Instead, we walk with them until they secure placements in universities. Beyond that, we even ensure that in the universities where we place them, they can find student jobs.
We are working with universities in Germany, where we have already enrolled three of our students. They are studying and working there.
Another unique aspect is how we take care of our students. We feed them very well because we realize that, as a school, we spend more time with them than their parents do. Many students do not get proper meals at school, yet this is a crucial stage for brain development and content absorption. To address this, we hired a professional chef. We provide a balanced diet, including African foods, proteins, fruits, and salads.
If you are looking for one of the most affordable international schools in Uganda and their school fees structure, feel free to contact +256771 905104 or +256700519876.
Malcolm Edwards Muzira
Why do international schools use the Cambridge curriculum? How does it benefit the student?
Cambridge is unique because it allows flexibility in learning.
- O Level (Years 8-11, equivalent to Senior 1-4): If a student is not very strong in a subject, they can take the core approach, which is more basic. Those who are strong can take the extended approach, which is more detailed.
- The system ensures students don’t fail—those who take core can still get a grade of C.
- The certificates do not indicate whether a student took core or extended, which helps average students get better opportunities.
Another advantage is that the study load is minimal.
- Cambridge allows students to take a minimum of seven subjects, including Mathematics and English.
- They can choose two sciences (e.g., Chemistry and Physics if they do not want to pursue medicine).
- ICT is mandatory or highly recommended.
- They must take one humanities subject, like Sociology or Geography.
This system ensures students focus on what aligns with their career paths instead of taking unnecessary subjects.
At A Level, students take a minimum of three subjects and a maximum of four.
- Humanities combinations with subjects like Economics, Business, Sociology, Geography and ICT.
- Science combinations: Math must be included (Math + Physics, Math + Chemistry, Math + Biology).
We put a high premium on STEM subjects because the universities we work with in Germany are technology-oriented or applied sciences institutions. Some handle business-related fields, but they must include Math, Statistics, or ICT.
Why should students at international schools in Uganda embrace STEM subjects?
- It is easier to find employment after completing STEM courses.
- It is easier to find student jobs while studying.
- It is easier to find dual study programs (working 3 days and studying 2 days), which provide work experience along with education.
How do you place students in universities? Why Germany?
Germany has the third or fourth-largest economy in the world after the USA and China. However, its population is ageing, and it needs young people to replace its workforce, pay taxes, and stabilize the economy.
Many public universities in Germany are free, provided the students get better grades like A*, A, and B and they pass an aptitude test.
- Many public universities in Germany are free, provided students can study in German.
- Some universities charge tuition, but many do not.
At our school, we teach German from A1 to B2 levels so that students can take advantage of these opportunities.
- After reaching the B2 level, we send them to Germany, where they enrol in vocational colleges, universities of applied sciences, or technical universities.
- They complete C1 and C2 language proficiency levels in Germany while integrating into the system.
- Germany allows students to work 20 hours per week, so they must speak German fluently to interact with locals.
Unlike other countries that send students back home after their studies, Germany allows them to stay and work after graduating.
Additionally, Germany offers scholarships and work-study programs. If a parent has already paid fees from primary school to Senior Six, why not secure a fully funded university education in Germany?
How do you select students for university placement?
- We accept students from Senior One to Senior Six. Those who join early learn the German language alongside their studies.
- Those who join later and want to go to Germany only for university must go through an 8-month intensive German course (at a cost).
- We also accept students with A Levels, first degrees, and master’s degrees who want to pursue further studies in Germany.
How much is the German language program at Renaissance International Christian School?
The German language program is taught at a German school, which teaches from A1, A2, B1 and B2 at a cost discussed at school
- This covers training for four language levels (A1 to B2).
- It includes exams and placement in a German university.
Every year, we also organize educational trips to Germany.
- The cost is $1,500 – $1,600 for a 10-day trip.
- These trips are tailored to inspire students based on their academic interests.
- For example, if a student wants to pursue aviation, we visit aviation hubs, aircraft factories, and pilot training schools.
- If they want to be doctors, we take them to medical schools and laboratories.
This exposure helps students:
- See emerging career trends.
- Discover new opportunities beyond their initial career choices (e.g., AI in medicine, engineering, and technology).
Does your school allow accelerated learning?
Yes. Unlike traditional schools where students are promoted annually, we allow accelerated progression.
- If a student shows exceptional mastery of content, they can request a placement test.
- If they pass, they skip a grade to avoid being held back.
- This saves parents on school fees and keeps students challenged and motivated.
Where is your school located?
We are in Bweyogerere, around Namboole on the road leading to Kirinya-Bukasa.
When was the school established?
We opened around the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2021.
What are your core values?
We are a Christian Cambridge school promoting biblical values.
- We do not prevent students of other religions from joining, but we uphold Christian beliefs.
- Students are free to pray and hold fellowships.
Final remarks?
We are organizing a symposium to promote university placements in Germany. We will book a venue and invite people to learn about these opportunities. If you are looking for one of the most affordable international schools in Uganda and their school fees structure, feel free to contact +256771 905104 or +256700519876.
