How Many Years Does CBC Curriculum Take?

With the emergence of technology, the education industry has undergone a rapid transformation, ensuring learners receive a high standard of education.

We understand that the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya might seem a bit confusing at first.

But fret not, we’re here to break it down for you in simple terms.

In this blog post, we will explain the key components of the CBC and how it works, helping you grasp the changes in the education system and how they benefit the learners’ learning journey.

The CBC Education System

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya follows a 2-6-3-3-3 education cycle, which means learners transition through a total of 17 levels, with each level lasting for one year — so CBC curriculum take 17 years.

The curriculum is divided into four main categories:

Early Year Education (EYE)

This category focuses on mastering basic skills and consists of two sub-categories:

Pre-Primary

Comprising of Pre-Primary 1 (PP1) and Pre-Primary 2 (PP2), which were formerly referred to as Nursery.

Children enter this level at a minimum age of 4 years old.

Before Pre-Primary, there is also the option of Day-Care, which takes one year but is not mandatory.

Lower Primary

After Pre-Primary, learners move on to Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.

At the end of Grade 3, the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) assesses students to determine if they are ready to progress to the Middle School level.

Middle School

This category includes Upper Primary and Lower Secondary levels.

Upper Primary

Consisting of Grade 4, Grade 5, and Grade 6, learners are assessed by KNEC at the end of Grade 6 to determine their readiness for Lower Secondary.

Junior School

Comprising of Grade 7, Grade 8, and Grade 9, learners undergo another KNEC assessment at the end of Grade 9 to determine their readiness for Senior School.

Senior School

At this stage, learners start to specialize in their chosen career paths.

The time spent here allows them to explore their interests and capabilities.

Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12

Learners will select their career path, choosing from categories such as Arts & Sports Sciences, Social Sciences, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

After completing Grade 12, students have the option to attend Technical and Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) institutions, universities, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Tertiary Education (TVET or University)

Tertiary education and training typically take a minimum of 3 years, with some career paths requiring longer durations.

Learning Areas, Strands, and Sub-Strands

In the CBC, what was previously known as “Subjects” is now referred to as “Learning Areas.”

These areas encompass various topics called “Strands,” and each Strand is further broken down into “Sub-Strands.”

This approach aims to promote a holistic and skill-based learning experience for students.

Emphasis on Competencies

The CBC places a strong focus on developing competencies in learners.

Competencies are practical skills, knowledge, and attitudes that students acquire through learning experiences.

Instead of solely relying on exams, assessments under the CBC also consider class-based evaluations, projects, and practical demonstrations, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s abilities.

Benefits of the CBC

The Competency-Based Curriculum offers several benefits for learners:

Holistic Development

By emphasizing practical skills and competencies, the CBC promotes a more well-rounded and holistic development of learners.

Flexible Career Choices

The Senior School level allows learners to explore different career paths, enabling them to make informed choices based on their interests and aptitudes.

Reduced Focus on Exams

The CBC reduces the reliance on high-stakes exams and focuses more on continuous assessment, reducing exam-related stress for learners.

Real-world Relevance

With a focus on practical skills and competencies, learners are better equipped for real-world challenges and career demands.

Individualized Learning

The CBC recognizes that students have unique learning styles and paces, allowing for more personalized learning experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya is designed to provide a more holistic, relevant, and personalized learning experience for learners.

The curriculum’s structure allows learners to develop practical skills, explore their interests, and make informed career choices.

By shifting the focus from traditional exams to continuous assessments, the CBC aims to prepare learners for the challenges of the real world.