GRADE 10 GRADE 11 & GRADE 12 SUBJECTS & PATHWAYS

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya has transformed the education landscape, introducing a flexible, learner-centered approach. As the first CBC cohort approaches Senior School Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12 in January 2026, understanding the pathways and subjects available is crucial for students, parents, and educators. This blog post, tailored for our audience passionate about the Kenyan education system and teachers’ welfare, provides a concise, reliable, and insightful overview of CBC Senior School subjects and pathways.

Understanding CBC Senior School

Senior School, covering Grades 10 to 12, targets learners aged 15–17 and marks the final stage of basic education. Unlike the 8-4-4 system, CBC allows students to specialize in one of three pathways based on their interests, abilities, and career aspirations. These pathways—Arts and Sports Science, Social Sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)—equip learners with practical skills for the workforce or further education.

Core Subjects for All Pathways

Regardless of the chosen pathway, all Senior School students must take four mandatory core subjects to ensure a well-rounded education:

English – Enhances communication and critical thinking.
Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL) – Promotes linguistic fluency and cultural identity.
Community Service Learning (CSL) – Encourages experiential learning through community projects.
Physical Education (PE) – Develops physical wellness and sportsmanship.

Additionally, ICT skills are integrated across all subjects as a learning tool, and life skills are tailored to each pathway, addressing issues like ethics in arts or citizenship in social sciences. A weekly Pastoral Program of Instruction (PPI) fosters spiritual and moral growth.

The Three Pathways and Their Subjects

Each pathway offers a mix of core and optional subjects, allowing students to tailor their education. Schools provide subjects based on their infrastructure, and students select a minimum of one and a maximum of two optional subjects in Arts and Sports Science, or three to five in Social Sciences and STEM. Below is a breakdown:

1. Arts and Sports Science Pathway

Designed for students passionate about creative arts, music, dance, or sports, this pathway is split into two tracks: Arts and Sports Science.

Core Subjects:
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Arts
- Communication Skills
Optional Subjects (Choose 1–2):
- Arts Track: Visual Arts, Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre, Elocution), Fine Art, Applied Art, Crafts, Time-Based Media
- Sports Track: Ball Games, Athletics, Indoor Games, Gymnastics, Water Sports, Boxing, Martial Arts, Outdoor Pursuits, Advanced Physical Education
- Other options: Home Science, Computer Science, Foreign Languages (German, French, Mandarin, Arabic), Kenyan Sign Language, Indigenous Languages
Career Opportunities: Artists, musicians, actors, sports coaches, physical therapists, event organizers.
Insight: This pathway nurtures creativity and physical talent, ideal for students who thrive in hands-on, expressive fields. However, parents should ensure schools have adequate facilities like studios or sports fields.

2. Social Sciences Pathway

Focused on humanities, languages, and business, this pathway suits students interested in societal dynamics, governance, or entrepreneurship. It includes Humanities, Languages, and Business Studies tracks.

Core Subjects:
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
Optional Subjects (Choose 3–5):
- Humanities: History and Citizenship, Geography, Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE)
- Languages: English Language, Literature in English, Lugha ya Kiswahili, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, Indigenous Languages, Arabic, French, German, Mandarin
- Business Studies: Business Studies, Mathematics
Career Opportunities: Lawyers, economists, teachers, diplomats, business administrators, journalists.
Insight: This pathway offers flexibility for students exploring diverse careers in public service or commerce. Parents and students should align subject choices with university requirements, as some courses (e.g., law) demand specific subjects like History or Literature.

3. STEM Pathway

Aimed at students inclined toward sciences, engineering, or technology, STEM is divided into Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Technical Studies tracks.

Core Subjects:
- Community Service Learning
- Physical Education
- ICT
Optional Subjects (Choose 1–3):
- Pure Sciences: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Applied Sciences: General Science, Agriculture, Computer Studies, Home Science
- Technical Studies: Drawing and Design, Aviation Technology, Building and Construction, Electrical Technology, Metal Technology, Power Mechanics, Wood Technology, Media Technology, Marine and Fisheries Technology
Career Opportunities: Engineers, doctors, IT specialists, architects, pilots, researchers.
Insight: STEM prepares students for Kenya’s industrialization goals, but schools must have well-equipped labs and qualified teachers. Students eyeing competitive fields like medicine should prioritize Pure Sciences early.

School Types and Transition

From 2026, Senior Schools will be categorized based on their focus:

STEM Schools (e.g., Light STEM Academy): Emphasize science and technology.
Arts and Sports Schools (e.g., Tumaini Arts and Sports Centre): Focus on creative and physical education.
Social Sciences Schools (e.g., Kongoni Social Sciences High School): Specialize in humanities and business.
Comprehensive Schools (e.g., State Comprehensive High School): Offer all three pathways.

Existing secondary schools will adapt based on resources, with government support ensuring facilities like labs and studios are available.

While CBC pathways offer personalization, challenges remain:

Infrastructure Gaps: Some schools lack facilities for specialized subjects like Aviation Technology or Performing Arts.
Teacher Preparedness: Continuous training is needed to equip teachers for CBC’s practical approach.
University Alignment: Universities must align programs with CBC pathways by 2029 to ensure smooth transitions.
Financial Literacy: Stakeholders suggest adding financial literacy to address real-world needs, especially given issues like gambling among teachers.

Parents should engage with schools to confirm subject availability and guide students based on career goals. Career counseling in Junior Secondary (Grades 7–9) is critical for informed pathway choices.

Why This Matters for You

For parents, understanding pathways helps you support your child’s interests and plan for their future, whether in TVET, university, or the workforce. Teachers benefit from knowing the curriculum’s demands to prepare lessons and advocate for resources. Students gain clarity on how their choices shape their careers, empowering them to pursue their passions.

Call to Action

As Kenya transitions to CBC Senior School, stay informed and proactive:

Parents: Attend school meetings and use platforms like Kurasa to monitor your child’s progress.
Teachers: Seek professional development to master CBC’s practical teaching methods.
Students: Explore your interests in Junior Secondary to choose a pathway that excites you.

The CBC is a bold step toward a skills-based, equitable education system. Let’s embrace it to nurture Kenya’s next generation of innovators, leaders, and creators.

ACCESS CBC RESOURCES – PP1, PP2, GRADE 1, GRADE 2, GRADE 3, GRADE 4, GRADE 5, GRADE 6, GRADE 7, GRADE 8, GRADE 9, GRADE 10, GRADE 11, & GRADE 12

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CBC Senior School Subjects & Pathways