The transition to Senior School under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) marks a significant shift in secondary education, focusing on specialization through Pathways. This comprehensive guide breaks down the structure of subjects offered, eligibility, lesson distribution, and how the program works for learners transitioning to the final phase of foundational education.
What is the CBC Senior School Curriculum?
The Senior School phase (Grades 10, 11, and 12) is the final level of Kenya’s basic education structure. Unlike the previous system, CBC Senior School aims to guide learners into one of three distinct Pathways: Arts & Sports Science, Social Sciences, or Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). This structure allows learners to specialize in areas aligned with their talents, interests, and career aspirations.
Core Subjects: What Every Learner Must Take
All learners transitioning to Senior School are required to take seven core subjects, regardless of the specialized pathway they choose. These core subjects ensure a balanced and well-rounded education.
The required Core Subjects are:
- English
- Kiswahili/KSL (Kenyan Sign Language)
- Core Mathematics/Essential Mathematics
- Community Service Learning (CSL)
Note on Supporting Learning:
In addition to the core subjects, the curriculum mandates practical skills and values-based learning integrated across all pathways:
- Physical Education (PE) and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) will be offered to all learners to facilitate learning, enjoyment, and the acquisition of life skills.
- Every school must offer Pastoral/Religious Programme of Instruction (P/RPI) to enhance moral, spiritual, and character development.
- There shall be one lesson for Personal/Group Study to deepen knowledge and enhance skills in areas of choice.
Pathways and Elective Subjects in Senior School
Upon entering Senior School, learners select one of the three Pathways, each offering a distinct set of elective subjects. Learners must select a minimum of two and a maximum of three elective subjects from their chosen pathway.
1. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Pathway
This pathway is designed for learners interested in technical, scientific, and applied fields.
Elective STEM Subjects:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
- Agriculture
- Computer Studies
- Home Science
- Aviation
- Building Construction
- Electricity
- Metalwork
- Power Mechanics
- Wood Technology
- Media Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
2. Social Sciences Pathway
This pathway focuses on humanities, languages, business, and cultural studies.
Elective Social Sciences Subjects:
- Literature in English
- Indigenous Languages
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili
- Sign Language
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
- Christian Religious Education
- Islamic Religious Education
- Hindu Religious Education
- Business Studies
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
3. Arts & Sports Science Pathway
This pathway caters to learners with talents in creative arts, performance, and physical activity.
Elective Arts & Sports Science Subjects:
- Sports and Recreation
- Music and Dance
- Theatre and Film
- Fine Arts
Lesson Distribution: Time Allocation Per Subject
A crucial element of the CBC Senior School design is the structured allocation of time. Each lesson is standardized to 40 minutes per lesson. The total number of lessons per week is capped at 40.
Senior School Lesson Allocation Per Week
The lesson allocation is divided between Core Subjects and the selected Elective Subjects, ensuring adherence to the 40-lesson cap:
| Subject Category | Subject | No. of Lessons Per Week (40 min per lesson) |
| Core Subjects | English | 5 |
| Kiswahili | 5 | |
| Essential Mathematics/Core Mathematics | 5 | |
| Community Service Learning | 3 | |
| Elective Subjects | Elective 1 | 5 |
| Elective 2 | 5 | |
| Elective 3 | 5 | |
| Supporting Subjects | Physical Education | 3 |
| ICT Skills | 2 | |
| P/RPI (Pastoral/Religious Programme of Instruction) | 1 | |
| Learner Personal/Group Study | 1 | |
| Total Number of Lessons | 40 |
Practical Steps: How the CBC Senior School Program Works
- Selection of Pathway: Learners, guided by continuous assessment, interests, and aptitude from Junior School, select one of the three Pathways (STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science).
- Mandatory Core Subjects: All learners enrol for the four mandatory Core Subjects (English, Kiswahili, Core/Essential Maths, CSL).
- Selection of Electives: Learners select between two and three elective subjects from their chosen pathway. The table above shows an allocation for three electives (5 lessons each).
- Integrated Learning: PE, ICT Skills, and P/RPI are integrated into the weekly timetable to provide life skills and character development alongside academic studies.
- Lesson Structure: The learning is delivered across 40 lessons per week, with each lesson lasting 40 minutes.
The Kenyan CBC Senior School curriculum mandates four core subjects for all learners: English, Kiswahili, Core/Essential Mathematics, and Community Service Learning. Learners specialize by choosing one of three Pathways (STEM, Social Sciences, or Arts & Sports Science) and selecting 2–3 elective subjects from that path. The total instruction time per week is 40 lessons, with each lesson lasting 40 minutes, ensuring comprehensive coverage and specialization across all curriculum areas.
