Makini Learners Exemplary Performance at World Scholar's Cup 2022

This year, The World Scholars' Cup - Nairobi Regional Round was held on the 17^th and 18^th February 2022 for the Juniors and on the 19^th and 20^th for the seniors. This was held at the Light International Academy, Karen, and at the Catholic University. Makini was well represented with 80 learners from Makini Ngong Road and Makini School Kibos in the Junior division and 12 learners in the Senior division.

Our school champions debated and collaborated with teams from over 25 schools in the country, including our sister school, Crawford International Kenya. The Learners participated in the four different categories: Collaborative Writing, Scholar's Bowl, Scholar's Challenge, and Team Debate.

Makini Schools, being the only institution offering the National Curriculum (844) competing in the Junior Divisions did exemplarily well emerging as Number 1 position overall, ahead of International schools like Crawford International, Light International Academy, Greensteads International, Nairobi International School, Oshwal Academy among others. Several learners from Makini Ngong Road and Kibos earned silver and gold medals in the different categories enabling a good number of our learners to qualify for the Global Rounds.

Our Own, Kai Savala - STD 8 Orange also scooped the most prestigious award, the Asimov Award which is given to the most outstanding competitor in all categories.

Congratulations to our learners below who came in 1^st and 2^nd place:

1^st Place: Team 313

Kai Savala, Seth Wanyiri, Marube Syekei

2^nd Place: Team 315

Debra Jerop, Stacy Odote, Sonia Cheptoo

Well done to the team and we wish them the best as they prepare to represent us at the Global Rounds taking place in Dubai, UAE in June and in Sofia, Bulgaria in July. The details will be shared once they are finalized.

This was the third time our learners participated in the World Scholars' Cup. In 2019, when Makini participated in the Nairobi Regional Round, our learner Jonathan Githui was awarded the prestigious Asimov Award among other medals. Our team also qualified and proceeded to the Global Rounds in The Hague, Netherlands where they did well.

Founded by Daniel Berdichevsky, the first World Scholar’s Cup took place in Korea in 2007: a small regional tournament hosted at the Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies. The first “global” round followed a few weeks later, bringing together students from Korea, Singapore, and the United States. Now, there are students from all the continents in the world taking part in these rounds. The idea behind the World Scholar’s Cup was to create something different than traditional academic competitions and conferences: a celebration of the joy of learning, a tournament as rewarding for the team that came in last as the for the team that came in first, an enrichment opportunity that motivated students not just to demonstrate their existing strengths but to discover new ones.

For details on how your child can participate, feel free to contact the coordinator Tr. Gladys, on gwanjie@makinischool.com in Nairobi and Tr. Beatrice & Tr. Norman in Kisumu on bomondi@makinischool.com / nonditi@makinischool.com , who have gone the extra mile to support the learners in their preparations. We appreciate them!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Building Executive Function Skills in Primary School Children

February 10, 2026

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help children plan, focus, remember instructions and manage their behaviour. These skills act as the brain’s “control system,” guiding how children think, learn and interact with others. In primary school, strong executive function supports academic success as well as emotional maturity, independence and positive social behaviour. For parents and educators alike, understanding how these skills develop is critical to supporting child brain development in meaningful, practical ways. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function skills are commonly grouped into three core areas: 1. Working memory: This is the ability to hold and use information. For example, remembering multi-step instructions. 2. Cognitive flexibility. This is the ability to adapt, shift thinking and try new approaches. 3. Inhibitory control: This is the ability to pause, resist impulses and regulate behaviour. When a child remembers their homework, switches from maths to reading and waits their turn to speak, they are using executive functioning in kids in everyday situations. These skills develop gradually and are shaped by experience, guidance and environment. This is especially true during early and primary years. Read more on why early development is important. Why Executive Function Skills Matter in Primary School In school settings, executive skills directly affect learning as well as behaviour. · Working memory in children helps them to follow lessons · Self-regulation skills for students assists in managing emotions · Improving attention in school children is essential during tasks · Impulse control in classrooms helps to reduce disruptions Learners with strong executive functioning are better able to complete tasks, organise their work, manage frustration and collaborate with their peers. These skills also support independence and help children take responsibility for routines, deadlines and their personal behaviour. Key Challenges Children Might Face Some common signs of underdeveloped executive skills include: · Forgetting instructions or losing items · Struggling to switch between different tasks · Acting impulsively or interrupting the class · Difficulty managing emotions · Poor time awareness These challenges don’t mean that a child is lazy or incapable. They often reflect developing brain systems that simply need a little guidance and practice. How Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home Parents play a powerful role in shaping executive function. Simple daily strategies can be incorporated into their day to strengthen these skills naturally. Some helpful approaches include: 1. Create Structured Routines Consistent daily routines help children predict what comes next, strengthening organisation as well as emotional regulation. 2. Use Visual Schedules Charts or picture schedules support working memory in children by making expectations visible. 3. Play Memory and Focus Games Try matching card games, Simon Says, puzzles and sequencing games. These support attention, recall and flexible thinking. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving Let children help with cooking steps, packing school bags and planning simple outings. This builds independence and cognitive flexibility in primary education. When there is strong parental engagement, there is a direct impact on executive growth. Discover more on the impact of parental involvement . Classroom Strategies for Teachers Teachers are ideally positioned to reinforce executive skills on a daily basis. Some effective classroom strategies include: 1. Task chunking - Break assignments into smaller steps to reduce cognitive overload. 2. Use of timers and checklists – These are known to improve time awareness and self-regulation skills for students. 3. Positive Reinforcement - Praise effort, strategy and reflection, not just the outcomes. 4. Mindfulness and calm-down techniques - Simple breathing, quiet corners or reflection time can help strengthen emotional control and attention. These strategies are especially valuable in supporting impulse control in classrooms and improving overall learning flow. When to Seek Extra Help If challenges persist despite consistent support, children may benefit from professional assessment. Some signs for parents and educators to watch for include: · Chronic forgetfulness · Extreme impulsivity · Emotional dysregulation · Difficulty following basic routines Educational psychologists or SEN specialists can help identify neurodivergent patterns (such as ADHD) and guide tailored interventions. Early support ensures children build confidence rather than frustration. Encouraging Growth Through Play and Daily Practice Play is one of the most powerful tools for executive development. Activities that build executive function include: · Storytelling and role-play · Group games - Consider turn-taking or rule-based games · Pretend shops or restaurants · Reflection discussions about feelings or decisions These experiences strengthen executive functioning in kids in a natural and pressure-free way. Schools that prioritise early holistic learning , such as in strong preschool systems, give children a strong base for future academic success. Conclusion: Building Brains for Life Executive function skills are not fixed traits. They are trainable abilities that grow through consistent support, practice and patience. From working memory to impulse control, these skills shape how children learn, behave and relate to others. At Makini School we aim to create a supportive environment where our educators can nurture strong thinkers, confident learners and emotionally resilient students, building not just academic success, but lifelong capability. FAQs 1. What are the three main executive function skills in children? Working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. 2. How can I tell if my child has weak executive functioning? Frequent forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulty and poor organisation are common signs. 3. What are fun activities to boost executive function in young children? Memory games, storytelling, puzzles, role-play and routine-based tasks. 4. How do executive function skills affect learning in school? They support focus, task completion, emotional control and classroom behaviour. 5. Can executive function skills be improved over time? Yes. With regular practice and supportive environments, executive skills develop steadily throughout childhood.