Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), implemented under the 2-6-3-3 education system, focuses on developing learners’ skills, knowledge, and competencies from pre-primary to senior secondary school. The curriculum is divided into three major levels: Early Years Education, Middle School, and Senior School, each with specific subjects and pathways. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the subjects taught across all levels.
CBC Levels of Education:
- Early Years Education (Pre-Primary and Lower Primary)
- Middle School Education (Upper Primary and Junior Secondary)
- Senior School (Grade 10 to 12)
1. Pre-Primary Subjects (PP1 and PP2):
In the Pre-Primary Level (PP1 and PP2), young learners are introduced to basic concepts that form the foundation for future learning. The subjects include:
- Language Activities
- Mathematical Activities
- Environmental Activities
- Psychomotor and Creative Activities
- Religious Education Activities
- Pre-Braille Activities
2. Lower Primary Subjects (Grade 1, 2, 3):
In the Lower Primary Level, learners continue to build foundational skills in a broader range of subjects:
- Literacy Activities or Braille Literacy Activities
- Kiswahili Language Activities or Kenyan Sign Language (for deaf learners)
- English Language Activities
- Mathematical Activities
- Environmental Activities
- Hygiene and Nutrition Activities
- Religious Education Activities
- Movement and Creative Activities
3. Upper Primary Subjects (Grade 4, 5, 6):
Upper Primary falls under Middle School and expands learning to include both core and optional subjects:
Core Subjects:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language
- Home Science
- Agriculture
- Science and Technology
- Mathematics
- Religious Education (Christian, Islamic, or Hindu Religious Education)
- Creative Arts
- Physical and Health Education
- Social Studies
Optional Subjects:
- Foreign Languages (Arabic, French, German, Mandarin)
- Indigenous Languages
- Kenyan Sign Language
- Braille Literacy
4. Junior Secondary Subjects (Grade 7, 8, 9):
Junior Secondary is the continuation of Middle School. There are core and optional subjects:
Core Subjects:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language
- Mathematics
- Integrated Science
- Health Education
- Pre-Technical and Pre-Career Education
- Social Studies
- Religious Education
- Business Studies
- Agriculture
- Life Skills
- Sports and Physical Education
Optional Subjects:
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Home Science
- Computer Science
- Foreign Languages (German, French, Mandarin, or Arabic)
- Kenyan Sign Language
- Indigenous Languages
5. Senior School Subjects (Grade 10, 11, 12):
In Senior School, learners select a pathway based on their career aspirations. The pathways are:
- Arts and Sports Science
- Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
1. Arts and Sports Science Pathway Subjects:
Core Subjects:
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Arts
- Communication Skills
Optional Arts Subjects:
- Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre)
- Fine Art, Crafts
- Time-Based Media, Applied Art
Sports Science Core Subjects:
- Human Physiology, Anatomy, and Nutrition
- Sports Ethics
Sports Science Optional Subjects:
- Athletics, Gymnastics, Water Sports, Martial Arts, Advanced Physical Education
2. Social Sciences Pathway Subjects:
Humanities:
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
- Religious Education (Christian, Islamic, Hindu)
- Business Studies
- Mathematics
Languages:
- English Language and Literature
- Kiswahili Language and Fasihi
- Kenyan Sign Language
- Foreign Languages (Arabic, French, German, Mandarin)
- Indigenous Languages
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Pathway Subjects:
This pathway is divided into four tracks:
a) Pure Sciences:
Learners choose a minimum of three from:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
b) Applied Sciences:
Core subjects include:
- ICT
- Physical Education
- Community Service Learning
Optional subjects include:
- Agriculture, Computer Science, Foods and Nutrition, Home Management
c) Technical and Engineering:
Core subjects:
- Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry/Biology
- ICT
- Community Service Learning
Optional subjects:
- Wood Technology, Electrical Technology, Metal Technology, Aviation Technology, Mechatronics, Media Technology
d) Career in Technology Studies:
Optional subjects include:
- Garment Making and Interior Design, Welding, Plumbing, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Animal Keeping, Carpentry and Joinery, Food and Beverage
Conclusion:
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya emphasizes skill development and provides learners with numerous options tailored to their interests. From early years to senior school, CBC encourages a hands-on learning experience, and by Grade 10, students can specialize in pathways such as Arts, Social Sciences, or STEM, shaping their future careers.
This article provides an in-depth guide to the subjects taught under Kenya’s CBC, helping parents, teachers, and students understand the learning paths and subjects from pre-primary to senior secondary school.
