What Is The First Class Of CBC In Kenya? Pre-Primary Education in Kenya's CBC System

In 2017, Kenya revolutionized its education system with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a departure from the traditional 8-4-4 system.

This article delves into the first class of CBC in Kenya, focusing on pre-primary education, its structure, and what parents need to know.

The Foundation: Pre-Primary Education under CBC

The first class of CBC unfolds at the pre-primary level, where young learners take their first steps into the world of education.

Divided into two levels:

Level I (PP1): Tailored for four-year-olds.
Level II (PP2): Geared towards five-year-olds.

Government Initiatives: Taskforce and Curriculum Review

In October 2022, the Kenyan government established a taskforce to gather public opinions on CBC implementation.

The data collection concluded in November 2022, with ongoing reviews.

Updates will be incorporated post the completion of this evaluation.

Historical Context: Transition from 8-4-4 to CBC

The CBC system replaced the traditional 8-4-4 model in December 2017.

The latter consisted of eight years of primary education, followed by four years of secondary education and four years of tertiary learning.

CBC divided education into four phases: two years in pre-primary, six in lower primary, three in upper primary, and three in secondary.

Enrollment Guidelines: When to Join Pre-Primary School

Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in pre-primary school at the age of four.

This early start lays the foundation for a seamless educational journey.

Subjects and Learning Areas in PP1 and PP2

The curriculum at this level encompasses several subjects, referred to as learning areas in CBC:

Language and Communication
Mathematics
Environment
Psychomotor (Physical Activity Learning) and Creative (Music, Art, and Crafts)
Religion

Language of Instruction: Local Engagement

Teaching is conducted in the language used within the school’s catchment area, with teachers selected locally to facilitate learning.

In cosmopolitan areas, a blend of English and Swahili is employed.

This approach fosters clear expression of ideas, opinions, and feelings.

Post-PP1 and PP2 Achievements: What to Expect

Upon completing pre-primary education, children are anticipated to:

Develop communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Acquire basic artistic skills: drawing, painting, coloring, weaving, shaping, bracelet making, and beading.
Grasp numerical concepts: counting (1-50), measurement, currency identification, and patterns.
Embrace daily routines and time management.
Instill habits of proper hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition.
Demonstrate understanding of religious values and basic knowledge of diverse religious backgrounds.

Evaluation Methods: Assessing Progress in Pre-Primary Level

Under CBC, assessments at the pre-primary level are conducted through oral questions, observation, and documentation.

The evaluation criteria include:

Above Expectations

Learner correctly performs all activities in each learning area.

Meets Expectations

Pupil follows instructions and completes most tasks.

Approaches Expectations

Learner attempts to follow instructions but may be inconsistent.

Below Expectations

Learner demonstrates major inaccuracies or inability to complete tasks as instructed.

Learning Materials for Pre-Primary Education: A Collaborative Effort

Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in their child’s education by providing essential learning materials.

These include:

Natural and man-made environment resources.
Videos, audio-visual, and digital materials.
Print materials: textbooks, workbooks, posters, and religious texts.
Everyday items like weather instruments, pictures, and newspapers.
Educational tools such as charts, flashcards, and soil for hands-on learning.
Domestic items, cloth materials, and containers.
Hygiene materials: handwashing and teeth-brushing items.
Improvised materials and equipment.
Sources of water, light, and sound for interactive learning experiences.

Conclusion: Nurturing the Future through CBC Pre-Primary Education

As Kenya embraces the Competency-Based Curriculum, the pre-primary stage stands as a crucial foundation for a child’s educational journey.

Understanding enrollment procedures, curriculum components, and evaluation methods empowers parents to actively participate in their child’s early learning experiences.

The success of the CBC system hinges on collaborative efforts between educators, parents, and policymakers, ensuring a holistic and effective educational framework for the nation’s future leaders.