In 2017, Kenya embraced the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as a replacement for the long-standing content-based 8-4-4 curriculum, which had been in place since 1985. The government began the gradual phase-out of the 8-4-4 curriculum, with the final cohort expected to sit their KCSE national examination in 2027.
The introduction of CBC marked a significant departure from the traditional approach, presenting a new concept to many Kenyans, including educators. Transitioning from a content-based to a competency-based education system requires a fundamental shift in mindset. To ensure the success of the new curriculum, it is crucial to invest in efforts to raise awareness among stakeholders. This involves promoting their understanding and appreciation of the CBC approach, as well as gaining their essential buy-in and support.
In this article we are gooing to explore the three pathways in senior secondary under CBC.
Arts and Sports Science Department:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (4)
- Electives: Optional subjects (1)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, Legal and Ethical Issues in Arts, Communication Skills, Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre, and Elocution), and Visual and Applied Arts (Fine Art, Applied Art, Time-Based Media, Crafts).
Sports Science Department:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (4)
- Electives: Optional subjects (1-2)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, Human Physiology, Anatomy, and Nutrition, and Sports Ethics.
- Elective subjects cover various sports categories such as Ball Games, Athletics, Indoor Games, Gymnastics, Water Sports, Boxing, Martial Arts, and Outdoor Pursuits.
Social Sciences Department (Humanities):
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (2)
- Electives: Optional subjects (3-5)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, History and Citizenship, Geography, Religious Education (Christian, Islamic, Hindu), Business Studies, and Mathematics.
Languages Department:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (2)
- Elective: Optional subject (1)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, English Language, Literature in English, Kiswahili Language and Literature, Kenyan Sign Language, Indigenous Languages, Arabic, French, German, and Chinese.
Business Studies Department:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (2)
- Elective: Optional subject (1)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, and Business Studies.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Department (STEM):
- Pure Sciences:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (3)
- Electives: Optional subjects (3)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, ICT, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Applied Sciences:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (3)
- Elective: Optional subject (1)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, ICT, Agriculture, Computer Science, Foods and Nutrition, and Home Management.
Technical and Engineering Department:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (6)
- Elective: Optional subject (1)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, ICT, Mathematics, Physics/Physical Sciences, and Chemistry/Biology/Biological Sciences.
- Elective subjects cover various technology and engineering fields such as Agricultural Technology, Geosciences Technology, Marine and Fisheries Technology, etc.
Career and Technology Studies Department:
- Core subjects: Mandatory subjects (3)
- Elective: Optional subject (1)
- Subjects include Community Service Learning, Physical Education, ICT, Mathematics, Physics/Physical Sciences, and Chemistry/Biology/Biological Sciences.
- Elective subjects cover a wide range of career and technical fields such as Fashion and Interior Design, Culinary Arts, Welding and Fabrication, etc.