CBC Senior Secondary School Pathways — All You Need To Know

Education in Kenya is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in senior schools.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has outlined three pathways that will shape the future of senior school education in the country: Social Sciences, Arts and Sports, and Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

If you’re curious about how these pathways will impact the curriculum and your child’s education, this article is for you.

Pathways And Subjects In Senior School – Kenya Competency-Based Curriculum

The CBC senior school curriculum offers three main pathways, each tailored to suit different interests and career goals:

Arts and Sports Science

This pathway is designed for students interested in the arts, music, dance, and sports science.

Social Sciences

This pathway focuses on humanities, languages, business studies, and career and technology studies.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

This pathway is for students inclined towards pure sciences, applied sciences, technical and engineering fields.

Core Subjects

Regardless of the pathway chosen, all learners are required to take two core subjects:

Community Service Learning
Physical Education

These subjects are mandatory and aim to provide students with essential life skills and a well-rounded education.

Arts and Sports Science Pathway

Department: The Arts

Core Subjects (4):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Arts
- Communication Skills
Electives (1):
- Performing Arts
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre and Elocution

Department: Sports Science

Core Subjects (4):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- Human Physiology, Anatomy, and Nutrition
- Sports Ethics
Electives (1-2):
- Ball Games
- Athletics
- Indoor Games
- Gymnastics
- Water Sports
- Boxing
- Martial Arts
- Outdoor Pursuits
- Advanced Physical Education

Social Sciences Pathway

Department: Humanities

Core Subjects (2):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
Electives (3-5):
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
- Religious Education (Christian, Islamic, Hindu)
- Business Studies
- Mathematics

Department: Languages

Core Subjects (2):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
Elective (1):
- English Language
- Literature in English
- Kiswahili Language and Literature
- Kenyan Sign Language
- Indigenous Languages
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Chinese

Department: Business Studies

Core Subjects (2):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
Electives (1):
- Business Studies

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Pathway

Department: Pure Sciences

Core Subjects (3):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
Electives (3):
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology

Department: Applied Sciences

Core Subjects (3):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
Electives (1):
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
- Foods and Nutrition
- Home Management

Department: Technical and Engineering

Core Subjects (6):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Physics/Physical Sciences
- Chemistry/Biology/Biological Sciences
Electives (1):
- Agricultural Technology
- Geosciences Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
- Aviation Technology
- Wood Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Metal Technology
- Power Mechanics
- Clothing Technology
- Construction Technology
- Media Technology
- Electronics Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechatronics

Department: Career and Technology Studies

Core Subjects (3):
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
- Mathematics
- Physics/Physical Sciences
- Chemistry/Biology/Biological Sciences
Electives (1):
- Fashion and Interior Design
- Leather Work
- Culinary Arts
- Hair Dressing and Beauty Therapy
- Plumbing and Ceramics
- Welding and Fabrication
- Tourism and Travel
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Animal Keeping
- Exterior Design and Landscaping
- Building Construction
- Garment and Dressmaking
- Photography
- Graphic Designing and Animation
- Food and Beverage
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Carpentry and Joinery
- Fire Fighting
- Metalwork
- Electricity
- Land Surveying
- Science Laboratory Technology
- Electronics
- Printing Technology
- Crop Production

Conclusion

The introduction of pathways in senior schools under the CBC marks a significant shift in the education landscape in Kenya.

These pathways offer students the opportunity to pursue subjects that align with their interests and career aspirations, providing a more personalized and practical approach to learning.

Whether your child is inclined towards the arts, sciences, or technical fields, the CBC senior school curriculum aims to prepare them for a successful future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CBC Senior Secondary Pathways

1. What are the CBC senior secondary pathways?

The CBC senior secondary pathways are Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

These pathways offer students a choice in the subjects they study based on their interests and career goals.

2. When will the first CBC class join senior school?

The first Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) class, headed to Grade 9 in January 2025, will join senior school in 2026.

3. Are there mandatory subjects for all pathways?

Yes, all learners must take two core subjects irrespective of their desired pathways: Community Service Learning and Physical Education.

These subjects aim to provide students with essential life skills and a well-rounded education.

4. How many elective subjects can students choose from?

The number of elective subjects varies depending on the pathway.

For example, in the Arts and Sports Science pathway, students can choose one elective, while in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway, students can choose up to three elective subjects.

5. Can students switch pathways?

While the CBC senior secondary pathways offer students the opportunity to explore different subjects based on their interests, switching pathways may not be straightforward due to the specialized nature of the subjects within each pathway.

It’s advisable for students to carefully consider their interests and career goals before choosing a pathway.

6. How will life skills be incorporated into the curriculum?

Life skills will be adapted to suit the specific issues in each learning area.

For example, in the Arts and Sports Science pathway, students will learn about legal and ethical issues in arts, while in the Social Sciences pathway, students will learn about history and citizenship.

7. Will there be opportunities for practical learning?

Yes, the CBC senior secondary pathways emphasize practical learning to equip students with real-world skills.

For example, students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway may have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments and projects related to their field of study.

8. How will the CBC senior secondary pathways prepare students for further education or the workforce?

By offering a choice of pathways and subjects, the CBC senior secondary curriculum aims to prepare students for further education or the workforce by providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to their chosen fields.

The practical approach to learning and emphasis on life skills also contribute to students’ readiness for future endeavors.