How Many Grades Are There In CBC? What To Know

The educational landscape in Kenya underwent a transformative shift in 2017 with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

This departure from the traditional 8–4–4 system marked a significant change, promising to produce ‘engaged, empowered, and ethical citizens.

Let’s delve into the details of CBC, the number of grades, exploring its structure and impact on the educational journey.

The Evolution: From 8-4-4 to 2-6-3-3-3 System

In the annals of Kenyan education, the 8–4–4 system, introduced in 1985 by President Moi, stood as the cornerstone.

However, in 2017, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) unveiled the CBC, a paradigm shift in the form of a 2-6-3-3-3 System of Education.

This new structure breaks down into Early Years Education, Middle School Education, and Senior School.

CBC Grade Breakdown: Unraveling the Journey

Under CBC, learners embark on a comprehensive 12-year educational journey.

The breakdown unfolds as follows:

Pre-primary: 2 years
Primary (Grade 1–6): 6 years
Junior Secondary (Grade 7, 8, 9): 3 years
Senior Secondary (Grade 10, 11, 12): 3 years
University: 3 years

So in total, there are 17 grades in CBC in a span of 17 years.

This revised structure ensures a holistic approach to basic education, emphasizing a gradual progression through different educational phases.

CBC’s Core Competences: Shaping Holistic Individuals

The Competency-Based Curriculum focuses on nurturing seven core competences critical for a well-rounded education:

Communication and Collaboration
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Creativity and Imagination
Citizenship
Digital Literacy
Learning to Learn
Self-Efficacy

This shift from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered approach is a pivotal change, fostering a more dynamic and engaging educational experience.

Assessing Competencies: A New Grading Paradigm

In the CBC framework, learners undergo constant assessment based on the seven core competences.

The evaluation is structured around four levels:

Exceeding Expectations (EE)
Meeting Expectations (ME)
Approaching Expectations (AE)
Below Expectations (BE)

This nuanced grading system aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a student’s abilities and areas for improvement.

CBC’s Inaugural Graduates: A Milestone in 2022

The first cohort of learners under the CBC curriculum completed their Primary Education in 2022, marking a historic moment.

As these students transitioned to junior high school in January 2023, the government, through the Ministry of Education, committed to investing in the necessary infrastructure in public schools nationwide to accommodate this influx of junior high-schoolers.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Education

The Competency-Based Curriculum has undeniably reshaped the educational landscape in Kenya, ushering in a new era of learner-centric, competency-focused education.

As the CBC continues to unfold, the nation anticipates a generation of students equipped with not just academic knowledge but also essential life skills, ready to navigate the challenges of the future.

The 2-6-3-3-3 system stands as a testament to Kenya’s commitment to providing a holistic and relevant education for its youth.