Revised CBC Subjects —How Many Subjects Are Taught In CBC?

Under the innovative Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the government has implemented significant changes, streamlining the subjects taught in primary and junior secondary education.

This comprehensive article explores the revised CBC subjects, highlighting the reduction in subjects, integration of topics, and the positive impact on learners, parents, and teachers.

The Evolution of CBC: A Breath of Fresh Air for Learners

Learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) are now benefiting from a reduced workload, thanks to recent government initiatives.

The primary focus of these changes is to enhance the learning experience and alleviate the concerns of both parents and students.

Lower Primary Restructuring: Seven Subjects for a Balanced Education

In response to feedback from concerned parents, the government has revamped lower primary education.

Now, learners tackle only seven subjects, spread across 31 lessons per week, a significant reduction from the previous nine subjects and 35 lessons.

Hygiene and Nutrition Activities are seamlessly integrated into Environmental Activities, while Creative Arts combines Art, Craft, Music, and Physical Education into one engaging subject.

Upper Primary Enhancement: A Streamlined Approach to Eight Subjects

Building on the success of lower primary restructuring, upper primary education has also undergone a transformation.

Learners now engage with only eight subjects over 35 lessons per week, down from the previous 10 subjects and 40 lessons.

Agriculture and Home Science merge into Agriculture and Nutrition, mirroring the lower primary integration success.

Creative Arts unifies Art & Craft, Music, and Physical Education, creating a more cohesive learning experience.

Junior Secondary: A Remarkable Reduction in Subjects

The most significant reduction occurs in junior secondary education, where five subjects are slashed.

Learners now only tackle nine lessons, with Integrated Science and Health Education merging into one subject, Social Studies and Life Skills Education combining, and Pre-Technical Studies, Computer Studies, and Business Studies integrating into one comprehensive Pre-Technical Studies subject.

Languages as Non-Formal Subjects: A Paradigm Shift

Acknowledging the importance of languages, foreign and indigenous languages are now considered non-formal subjects.

These subjects will not be tested but treated as co-curricular activities, aligning with the government’s commitment to a holistic education experience.

Implementation Timeline: Changes Effective January 2024

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has announced that these changes will be effective from January 2024.

This ensures a seamless transition for learners, teachers, and parents, allowing ample time for preparation.

Cost Reduction and Textbook Transition

The reduction in subjects not only benefits learners but also addresses concerns about the financial burden on parents.

Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Chief Executive Charles Ong’ondo emphasizes that the cost of CBC will substantially decrease.

Parents will now need to purchase only nine books instead of 14, providing significant relief to households.

Positive Reception: Relief for Teachers, Parents, and Students

Teachers and parents have expressed their relief and gratitude for the streamlined CBC.

National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa welcomes the changes, noting that it eases the burden on parents and aligns with their proposals to the presidential working party.

Addressing Concerns: Aligning with Education Reform Recommendations

These CBC changes align with recommendations from a presidential working party on education reforms.

Concerns about curriculum overload and student stress are being addressed through the streamlining efforts led by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

Conclusion: Embracing a More Focused and Balanced Education

The revised CBC subjects mark a significant step towards creating a more focused, balanced, and engaging learning experience for students.

As the government addresses concerns and adapts to the evolving needs of the education system, these changes aim to cultivate a generation of learners better prepared for the challenges of the future.