Will CBC Students Go To University? Here's How

The CBC structure in Kenya adopts the 2-6-6-3 approach where students spends 2 years in pre-primary, 6 years in Primary, and 6 years in Secondary school (3 for junior school and 3 for senior school), and those who proceed to university will spend 3 years at institutions of higher learning — so yes, CBC students will go to university

In the evolving landscape of Kenyan education, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has taken center stage, ushering in a transformative approach to learning.

The question on many minds is whether CBC students will eventually tread the path to university education.

Let’s delve into the intricacies of the CBC structure, its advantages over the previous 8-4-4 system, and the core competencies it aims to instill in students.

Understanding the CBC Structure

The CBC structure in Kenya is a departure from the traditional 8-4-4 system, adopting a more comprehensive 2-6-6-3 approach.

Students embark on a journey that spans 2 years in pre-primary, 6 years in primary, 6 years in secondary school, and for those who choose, 3 years in institutions of higher learning.

The Shift from 8-4-4 to CBC

The inception of the Competency-Based Curriculum in December 2017 marked a significant departure from the shortcomings of the 8-4-4 system.

Introduced in 1985, the 8-4-4 system was heavily exam-oriented, placing students of varying abilities in the same basket, thereby hindering some from coping effectively.

Defining Competency-Based Curriculum

A competency-based curriculum, as defined by UNESCO, prioritizes what learners can do rather than what they know.

It identifies and nurtures the potential within each student, guiding them through different stages of education.

Unlike previous systems that relied on winners and losers, CBC ensures that students grasp the core syllabus and discover and pursue their individual interests.

Differences between 8-4-4 and CBC

Understanding the disparities between the 8-4-4 and CBC systems is crucial for appreciating the advantages of the latter.

The following table highlights key distinctions:

Competency-Based Curriculum	8-4-4
Learner Oriented	Exam Oriented
Teacher as Guide	Teacher as Knowledge Source
Learner-Based	Teacher-Based
Varied Grading Criteria	Uniform Student Grading
Smaller Learning Slots	Monotony and Student Dropout
2-6-6-3 Structure (17 Years)	8-4-4 Structure (16 Years)

The CBC Advantage

CBC brings several advantages over the 8-4-4 system.

By focusing on individual competencies, it ensures that students develop critical skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, imagination, citizenship, self-efficacy, digital literacy, and the ability to learn.

The 2-6-6-3 CBC Structure

Breaking down the CBC structure, we see a deliberate progression that allows students to navigate through various educational stages.

These include 2 years in pre-primary, 6 years in primary, 6 years in secondary, and, for those opting for university education, an additional 3 years.

Core Competencies of CBC

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development has identified seven core competencies integral to CBC.

These competencies encompass communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and imagination, citizenship, self-efficacy, digital literacy, and the ability to learn.

Conclusion

As CBC continues to reshape the educational landscape in Kenya, the prospects of students proceeding to university appear promising.

By fostering a learner-centric approach, CBC equips students with the skills needed not only for academic success but also for personal and professional growth.

The journey from pre-primary to university becomes a seamless exploration of individual potential, guided by the principles of competency-based education.