Wawa, Hamida Yahaya2021-07-292021-07-292016Wawa, H. Y (2016) An assessment of the impact of pre-primary education on pupils preparedness and academic performance in primary schools : A case of Singida rural district, Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.http://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/15242Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr.Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF LB1140.25.T34W38)This study assessed the contribution of pre-primary education to pupils’ preparedness and academic performance in primary schools. Its objectives were to examine the skills acquired in pre-primary classes that prepare a child for primary education; to find out whether there were differences in performances, between pupils with pre-primary education and those without pre-primary experience; and finally to identify conditions necessary for effective implication of the pre-primary education program. The study applied a mixed methods approach and a correlation design. The study involved three head teachers, three pre-primary teachers, three primary teachers, thirty pupils with pre-primary education and thirty pupils without pre-primary education. Data were collected through interviews, documentary review and administering skills tests. Data were analyzed by using independent t-test, with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer programme, whereby, annual examination and tests results of pupils were computed into means to compare the performance of pupils with and without pre-primary education. Other information generated as qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis. It was found that pupils with pre-primary education were skilful in writing, reading, counting and communication skills prior to joining primary education.; t-test revealed that; there was a difference in performance between pupils with pre –primary education and those without pre-primary education, though the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, schools lacked necessary conditions such as teaching and learning material, trained teachers, classroom and desks necessary for implementing pre-primary education. Some parents were apparently not aware of the importance of pre-primary education. It is therefore recommended that pre-primary education should be given priority as a crucial foundation for other education levelsenEducationPreschoolAcademic achievementPrimary schoolsSingida rural districtTanzaniaThesis