In Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the compulsory Learning Areas include: English or Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL), Physical Education (PE) and Community Service Learning (KSL). Plenty of people do not know why Mathematics is an optional Learning Area in Senior Schools of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). No wonder, it is the nub of my tenth treatise on CBC.
Ideally, CBC is not 8-4-4. These are two different systems. Therefore, it is utterly wrong to keep comparing what is happening in high schools under 8-4-4 System of Education with what is to happen in Senior Schools under CBC. Considering how CBC is structured, by the time learners are transitioning from Grade 9 in Junior School to Grade 10 in Senior School, they will have acquired the basic numeracy skills they require to navigate through Career Pathways. Senior School should position CBC learners for world of work. Looking at what CBC offers, in some Career Pathways, there is a possibility of joining job market directly upon graduating from Senior School.
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Straight into it, CBC offers these Career Pathways at Senior School: Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In every Career Pathway, there are Tracks cascading to Learning Areas. For instance, Arts and Sports Science Career Pathway has two Tracks: Arts and Sports Science. Learning Areas in the Arts Track include: Music and Dance, Theatre and Film and Fine Art. Learning Areas in the Sports Science Track include: Physical Education and Sports and Recreation.
Likewise, Social Sciences Career Pathway has two Tracks: Languages and Literature and Humanities and Business Studies. Learning Areas in Languages and Literature Track include: Literature in English, Indigenous Languages, Kenya Sign Language (KSL), Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Arabic, French, German, Mandarin (Chinese). Learning Areas in Humanities and Business Studies Track include: Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE), Business Studies, History and Citizenship, Geography and Community Service Learning (CSL).
Moreover, the STEM Career Pathway has three Tracks: Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences and Technical Studies. Learning Areas in the Pure Sciences Track include: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Learning Areas in Applied Sciences Track include: Computer Science, Home Science and Agriculture. Then, Learning Areas in Technical Studies Track include: Aviation, Building Construction, Electricity, Metal Work, Power Mechanics, Woodwork, Media Technology and Marine and Fisheries Technology.
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Now, this matter is germane in a document titled Guidelines on Selection and Placement of Learners to Senior Schools, where in granular details framers of CBC posit that the STEM Pathway will cater for 60% of Learners. It will equip them with requisite knowledge, skills and competencies — they require to excel in scientific and technical disciplines. By the same token, the Social Sciences Pathway will take care of 25% of learners. It will help them understand society, human behavior and global systems. Then, Arts and Sports Science will take care of 15% of Learners. It will nurture their talents, creativity and physical abilities.
Dear reader, from this assertion, it is clear like crystal, most learners will pick the STEM Pathway at Senior School, where the categorization of schools will be either by Pathways (Triple or Dual) or Accommodation Type (Day Senior Schools or High Senior Schools — Day and Boarding School
In the STEM Pathway, the learner may not be able to pick all the Tracks. In case the Learner picks the Applied Sciences Track or Technical Studies Track, there will be no need of doing Mathematics. For it is not a Learning Area in those Tracks. Instead, it is a Learning Area in the Pure Sciences Track. In fact, even in the Pure Sciences Track, the learner will be expected to pick at least three Learning Areas. So, the learner can decide to settle on Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Likewise, understanding Tracks and Learning Areas in the Arts and Sports Science and Social Sciences Pathway makes all and sundry know, why Mathematics is not compulsory in Senior Schools.
By Victor Ochieng’
The writer rolls out talks and training services. vochieng.90@gmail.com.
