- What is a CBE Senior School?
A CBC Senior School is the final stage of the Competency-Based Education covering Grades 10–12, where learners specialise in a chosen career pathway.
- When do learners join Senior School?
After completing Grade 9 and undergoing the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA).
- How many career pathways are there?
Three: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Arts & Sports Science, and Social Sciences.
- What does the STEM pathway involve?
Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, and technical studies such as engineering and aviation.
- What is included in the Arts & Sports Science pathway?
Creative arts, music, drama, fine art, sports science, media production, and related fields.
- What subjects are in the Social Sciences pathway?
Humanities, business studies, economics, history, geography, philosophy, and languages.
- How is a learner’s pathway chosen?
Through assessment results, aptitude tests, career guidance, and discussions involving the learner, parents, and teachers.
- Can a learner change their pathway after joining?
Yes, but preferably early to avoid disrupting their academic progress.
- Are all Senior Schools able to offer all pathways?
No. Some are triple-pathway schools, others are dual-pathway, and some specialise in only one.
- How are schools classified for CBC Senior School?
By pathway offerings, boarding or day status, mixed or single-sex, and capacity for special needs learners.
- What are the core subjects in Senior School?
English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Life Skills, and a selection of pathway-specific subjects.
- What careers can STEM graduates pursue?
Medicine, engineering, IT, architecture, data science, research, and related technical professions.
- What careers are linked to Arts & Sports Science?
Performing arts, visual arts, sports, journalism, media, and creative entrepreneurship.
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- What careers come from the Social Sciences pathway?
Law, teaching, diplomacy, economics, public administration, and journalism.
- Is university the only route after Senior School?
No. Learners can join universities, TVET institutions, apprenticeships, or start businesses.
- How is CBC different from 8-4-4 at the Senior School level?
It focuses more on practical skills, learner strengths, and real-world application rather than rote memorisation.
- Will rural learners have access to all pathways?
Not always initially; some may need to join schools in other regions for certain pathways.
- How will teachers prepare for CBC Senior Schools?
Through specialised training and recruitment in line with the pathways offered at their schools.
- When will CBC Senior Schools fully roll out?
January 2026, when the first Grade 9 CBC cohort moves to Grade 10.
- What role do parents play in CBC Senior School?
Supporting learners in pathway selection, encouraging their interests, and collaborating with teachers and counsellors.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County and serves as Dean of Studies.
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