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The transition to Senior School under the CBC system is set to follow new guidelines proposed by the education committee. As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) takes full effect, learners and parents must understand the selection criteria, school choices, and available pathways.
Recently, the Ministry of Education outlined how learners should select their preferred Senior Schools. These proposals aim to streamline the transition process and ensure learners enroll in schools that align with their interests and competencies.
Understanding the CBC Curriculum and Senior School Selection
The CBC curriculum is a learner-centered system designed to equip students with skills, values, and knowledge that align with real-life applications. Unlike the 8-4-4 education system, which focused on content mastery through examinations, the CBC curriculum emphasizes core competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
In the CBC education system in Kenya, students undergo a 2-6-3-3-3 structure:
- 2 years in Pre-Primary
- 6 years in Primary (Grades 1-6)
- 3 years in Junior School (Grades 7-9)
- 3 years in Senior School (Grades 10-12)
- 3 years in tertiary institutions (universities/colleges)
At the end of Grade 9, students transition to Senior School, where they specialize in one of the three CBC pathways based on their competencies, interests, and career aspirations.
How Will CBC Senior School Selection Work?
Each learner must select 12 Senior Schools, distributed as follows:
- First Choice: 7 Senior Schools
- Second Choice: 3 Senior Schools
- Third Choice: 2 Senior Schools
Among these 12 selected schools:
- 9 must be boarding schools
- 3 must be day schools within the learner’s county
For the 9 boarding schools:
- 4 must be within the learner’s county
- 5 must be outside the learner’s county
This structured selection process ensures learners have diverse options while considering factors like accessibility, specialization, and personal preferences.
CBC Senior School Pathways and Subjects
Unlike the 8-4-4 system, where all students followed a general curriculum, CBC Senior School allows learners to specialize in areas that match their career aspirations. The three main pathways include:
- Arts and Sports Science – Suitable for students interested in visual and performing arts, music, and sports.
- Social Sciences – Ideal for learners who want to pursue careers in history, geography, religious studies, and other humanities.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – Designed for students excelling in sciences, mathematics, and technology-related fields.
Schools will offer specific pathways, meaning students must carefully choose Senior Schools that align with their future career goals. Each pathway has unique CBC subjects tailored to equip learners with specialized skills.
How Learners Can Use the CBC Portal and CBC KNEC Portal
The CBC portal and CBC KNEC portal are key platforms that provide:
- CBC curriculum structure and updates
- CBC curriculum design details
- CBC news and policy changes
- CBC exams schedules and assessment criteria
- CBC schemes of work for different subjects
- CBC lesson plan samples and learning materials
Parents and students should regularly check these portals for official updates on the Senior School selection process, subject choices, and assessments.
What Education Leaders Are Saying About CBC Senior School Selection
The proposed selection process has sparked discussions among education stakeholders, including senators and education committee members.
- Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka emphasized that while CBC promotes hands-on learning, financial strains on low-income families make it harder for some students to compete globally, deepening educational disparities.
- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed concerns over the complexity of CBC assignments, stating that parents often struggle to afford materials and resources required for their children’s projects.
- Bungoma Senator Wakoli Wafula, who has a background in teaching, criticized the current CBC approach, arguing that it fails to develop critical thinkers and practical problem-solvers.
- Nandi Senator Samson Cherarkey stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for Grade Nine learners and urged the government to build a system that imparts essential life skills.
These concerns highlight the need for ongoing reviews and adjustments to the CBC implementation strategy to address financial and logistical challenges faced by learners and parents.
Why This Selection Approach?
The proposed selection process ensures:
- Balanced distribution – Students are placed in both local and national schools, ensuring equity in resource allocation.
- Pathway alignment – Learners join schools that specialize in their chosen subjects and careers.
- Parental involvement – Since 3 schools must be day schools within the county, parents have more opportunities to engage in their children’s education.
Challenges and Considerations
While the proposal has its advantages, some concerns remain:
- Limited schools per pathway – Not all schools will offer every pathway, so choices may be restricted.
- Logistical challenges – Students placed in schools outside their counties may face transport and accommodation difficulties.
- Teacher preparedness – Schools must be well-equipped with trained teachers and relevant learning materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Senior Schools should a learner select under CBC?
A learner must select 12 Senior Schools in total, distributed across first, second, and third-choice categories.
2. What are the three CBC pathways in Senior School?
The CBC pathways include:
- Arts and Sports Science
- Social Sciences
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
3. Can a learner change their pathway after selecting a Senior School?
No, once a learner joins a school specializing in a particular pathway, switching may not be possible unless the school offers multiple pathways.
4. Are all CBC Senior Schools boarding schools?
No. Learners must select 9 boarding schools and 3-day schools within their county.
5. Can a learner select all 12 schools within their county?
No. At least 5 of the selected boarding schools must be outside the learner’s county.
6. What happens if a learner is not placed in any of their selected schools?
The Ministry of Education will place them in a school that offers their preferred pathway, depending on availability.
7. Do all Senior Schools offer every pathway?
No. Schools will specialize in different pathways, so students must choose wisely based on their interests.
8. How will learners be assessed in Senior School?
CBC Senior School assessment will focus on practical skills, projects, and continuous evaluation rather than final national exams.
Final Thoughts
The CBC Senior School selection process marks a shift towards specialized education, where students choose schools based on their career aspirations. Parents should guide learners in making informed decisions, ensuring they select schools that align with their interests and strengths.
Additionally, the CBC system emphasizes hands-on learning through projects and CBC test assessments. Teachers should use CBC schemes of work, CBC notes, and CBC lesson plans to ensure structured learning.
For more details on CBC, visit the CBC app or the official CBC KNEC portal to access key resources on the curriculum, pathways, and assessment procedures.
