As Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) continues to evolve, it introduces significant changes in how students approach their senior school years (Grades 10-12). Understanding the Senior School Categories Under CBC is crucial for both parents and students as they navigate these pathways. This new structure ensures students’ education aligns with their strengths, talents, and future career aspirations.
Overview of CBC Senior School Categories
The CBC system offers a range of pathways, subjects, and school types to cater to diverse student interests and career paths. In this new structure, students are given the flexibility to choose academic tracks that best match their skills. Senior School Categories Under CBC are structured into various pathways, including Arts and Sports Science, STEM, and Social Sciences. This diversity in subject choices prepares students for the world of work by focusing on personalized career readiness.
Pathways Offered in Senior School
At senior school, students will undertake a combination of core and specialized subjects. The core subjects include English, Kiswahili (or Kenyan Sign Language), Community Service Learning, and Physical Education. In addition, students will select three subjects from their chosen pathway:
- Arts and Sports Science – Includes Performing Arts, Sports, and Visual Arts.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) – Covers Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Career & Technical Studies.
- Social Sciences – Focuses on Humanities, Business Studies, and Languages & Literature.
Senior School Categories and Types of Institutions
Under CBC, schools will be classified into different categories based on the pathways they offer. There are triple pathway schools that provide all three tracks, as well as double pathway schools offering combinations like STEM and Arts or STEM and Social Sciences.
Furthermore, senior schools can be classified into day schools, where students commute, or hybrid schools, which blend boarding and commuting. Specialized institutions are also available for students with special needs, including vocational schools designed to cater to specific career paths.
Phasing Out Traditional School Categories
The traditional four-tier school categorization—National, Extra County, County, and Sub-County—will gradually phase out under CBC. Instead of focusing on school prestige, the emphasis will shift towards students’ pathway choices. This change ensures that placement is based on personalized academic interests and career readiness, which helps in creating a more flexible, inclusive educational environment.
Automated Placement System for Grade 10
To ensure fairness and transparency in student placements, the Ministry of Education has implemented an automated placement system. This system will consider both academic performance and career exploration assessments to guide students in selecting their pathways and subjects. Teachers’ insights will play a crucial role in providing additional input about a student’s strengths and potential.
This system is designed to offer flexibility and accuracy, enabling the automated system to adapt to individual cases and provide the most appropriate placement for each student.
Conclusion
The Senior School Categories Under CBC provide students with the opportunity to specialize in fields that align with their interests and career goals. Whether pursuing arts, sports, STEM, or social sciences, students are now equipped with pathways that prepare them for a future in various professional sectors. As the CBC structure evolves, it promises a more inclusive and personalized approach to education, helping students build the skills needed for the modern workforce.
