How CBC Assessment and Grade Transition Work in Kenya: A Detailed Guide

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya introduces a new way of assessing students and determining their transitions between grades. This system is designed to evaluate learners’ competencies rather than just academic performance, focusing on practical skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Here’s a detailed guide on how CBC assessment and grade transition work, the types of assessments used, and the process of transferring students while maintaining assessment records.

CBC Levels of Learning in Kenya:

Kenya’s CBC is organized into three main levels of learning:

1. Early Years of Education:
   • Pre-primary: PP1 and PP2
   • Lower Primary: Grades 1, 2, and 3
2. Middle School:
   • Upper Primary: Grades 4, 5, and 6
   • Lower Secondary: Grades 7, 8, and 9
3. Senior School:
   • Grades 10, 11, and 12 (marks the end of basic education)

Types of CBC Assessments:

The Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) in CBC focuses on assessing students’ competencies through different types of assessments. The three main types are:

1. Classroom Assessment:
   • Developed by the teacher and conducted within the classroom.
   • It is not a national exam, and the tools used are created by the teachers themselves.
2. School-Based Assessment:
   • Conducted for students in Grades 4 to 12.
   • Assessment tools are developed by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and while it is national, it does not involve national rankings.
   • Teachers download the assessment tools from the KNEC CBA portal.
3. Summative Assessment:
   • National assessments similar to KCPE and KCSE exams.
   • Involves national rankings and evaluates students at key transition points, like the end of Grade 6 and Grade 9.

CBC Grade Transition:

Each level of education under CBC has specific assessment requirements to facilitate learners’ transition from one grade to the next.

1. PP2 to Grade 1 (Pre-primary to Lower Primary):
   • Learners are assessed through an internal exam developed by the teacher.
2. Grade 3 to Grade 4 (Lower Primary to Upper Primary):
   • Students sit for a school-based national assessment before transitioning to Grades 4, 5, and 6.
3. Grade 6 to Grade 7 (Upper Primary to Lower Secondary):
   • Learners are assessed using two components:
     • School-Based Assessment (60%) in Grades 4, 5, and 6.
     • Summative Assessment (40%) at the end of Grade 6. The combined results determine their transition to Grade 7.
4. Grade 9 to Grade 10 (Lower Secondary to Senior School):
   • Learners sit for a junior secondary summative assessment (JSS) at the end of Grade 9. The results are used for placement in Grade 10.

CBC Assessment Tools and Methods:

Several tools and methods are used to assess learners’ competencies under CBC. These include:

• Tests and Rubrics
• Journals and Portfolios
• Oral or Aural Questions
• Checklists and Questionnaires

Assessment results for Grades 3 to 12 are recorded on the KNEC portal, where a Unique Personal Identification (UPI) number tracks each learner’s performance. This UPI number is issued through the NEMIS portal or KNEC assessment registration.

Transfer of Students and CBC Assessment Records:

If a student needs to transfer schools, particularly those in Grades 3, 4, or 5, it’s important that their assessment records follow them. Here’s how the transfer process works:

1. Release and Acceptance Letters:
   • The headteachers of both the current and new schools must write release and acceptance letters.
   • These letters must be presented to the sub-county director of education.
2. Use of KNEC CBA Portal:
   • The sub-county director of education will use the KNEC CBA portal (cba.knec.ac.ke) to transfer the student, ensuring their assessment records are retained.

Conclusion:

Kenya’s CBC assessment system aims to equip learners with practical skills and critical thinking abilities. The three types of assessments—classroom, school-based, and summative—are designed to evaluate these competencies at every stage of learning. With a clear structure for grade transitions and a reliable system for transferring students, CBC ensures that each learner’s progress is continuously tracked, fostering a holistic approach to education.

This detailed guide explains the types of assessments, grade transitions, and tools used under Kenya’s CBC system, helping students, parents, and educators understand how to navigate the curriculum effectively.