Mathematics No Longer a Must for Senior Secondary
Mathematics will no longer be a required subject for students moving to senior secondary school under the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Instead, students must take English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning as mandatory subjects. They can then choose from 38 different subjects to help guide their academic and career choices.
This change is part of a shift from the old 8-4-4 system, where Mathematics, along with English, Kiswahili, and at least two science subjects, was compulsory.
Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, explained that Grade 9 students—the first group using CBC—will begin selecting their subjects and senior schools during the second term of this year. This will give time for students and parents to discuss their interests and career goals.
The Ministry of Education also suggested that no more than five students from the same junior secondary school should go to the same senior school. This is to promote diversity, but some people worry this might be hard to achieve, especially for day schools that mainly accept local students.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) said that the final Grade 9 score will be based on three things: results from primary school, teacher assessments during junior secondary school, and a national exam called the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA). The KJSEA will count for 60% of the score, and the remaining 40% will come from the teacher assessments and primary school performance.
If students are unhappy with where they are placed, they can ask for a transfer, if there is space available. Private candidates, who are not enrolled in formal schools, can only be placed in day schools.
Senior schools will now offer three main pathways: Triple Pathway Schools, which focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, or Arts and Sports. Students can choose one pathway based on their strengths and interests. Double Pathway Schools will offer combinations like STEM with Social Sciences or STEM with Arts.
There will also be Vocational and Special Needs Pathway Schools, which focus on vocational training for students with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, or cognitive challenges. These schools will provide hands-on training that suits each student’s needs.
To make the placement process easier, senior schools are divided into three types: day schools, hybrid schools (which have both day and boarding options), and special needs schools that cater to students with disabilities like hearing or vision impairments.