KICD: Understanding CBC structure, subjects and assessments

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya focuses on developing learners’ skills and competencies rather than just academic knowledge.

It is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration among students. Here is an outline of its format:

Structure:

• Early Years Education (Pre-primary 1 & 2, Grades 1-3): Focuses on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
• Middle School Education (Grades 4-6): Emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and basic subject knowledge.
• Upper Primary (Grades 7-9): Expands subject knowledge and introduces career exploration.
• Senior School (Grades 10-12): Specialized learning paths in arts and sports science, social sciences, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and vocational and technical education.

Core Subjects:

• Languages: English, Kiswahili, and a foreign language.
• Mathematics.
• Science: Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
• Social Studies: History, Geography, Citizenship.
• Creative Arts: Music, Art and Craft.
• Physical and Health Education.
• Religious Education: Christian, Islamic, and Hindu Religious Education.
• Entrepreneurship.
• Life Skills Education.

Assessment:

• Formative Assessment: Continuous assessment through projects, practicals, and classroom activities.
• Summative Assessment: National examinations at the end of each education level, especially at Grade 6 (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment – KPSEA) and Grade 9.

Teaching and Learning Approaches:

• Learner-Centered: Focuses on the needs and interests of the learner.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages learners to ask questions and explore topics in-depth.
• Project-Based Learning: Integrates various subjects into projects that reflect real-world challenges.
• Collaborative Learning: Promotes group work and peer-to-peer interactions.

Teacher Role:

• Facilitator: Guides and supports learners through the learning process rather than just imparting knowledge.
• Assessor: Continuously assesses learner progress and provides feedback for improvement.

Resources:

• Learning Materials: Textbooks, digital content, and practical tools aligned with the curriculum.
• Teacher Training: Ongoing professional development to equip teachers with skills to implement CBC effectively.

The CBC aims to produce holistic individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya includes key national assessments such as the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA). Here’s a detailed look at each:

Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA):

Purpose:

• KPSEA is designed to assess the competencies and skills acquired by learners at the end of Grade 6.
• It aims to gauge learners’ readiness for the next level of education, which is the Junior Secondary School.

Components:

• School-Based Assessments: Continuous assessments carried out by teachers during Grades 4, 5, and 6. These contribute 60% of the final KPSEA score.
• National Summative Assessment: A standardized test administered at the end of Grade 6, contributing 40% of the final KPSEA score.

Subjects Assessed:

• Mathematics
• English
• Kiswahili
• Integrated Science (combining elements of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Home Science, and Physical and Health Education)
• Creative Arts (including Music and Art and Craft)
• Social Studies (incorporating elements of History, Geography, and Citizenship)
• Religious Education (Christian, Islamic, and Hindu Religious Education)

Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA):

Purpose:

• KILEA assesses the competencies and skills of learners at the end of Grade 9, marking the completion of the Junior Secondary School level.
• It helps determine learners’ readiness for the Senior Secondary School level, where they will specialize in various pathways.

Components:

• School-Based Assessments: Continuous assessments conducted throughout Grades 7, 8, and 9. These assessments contribute 60% to the final KILEA score.
• National Summative Assessment: A standardized test taken at the end of Grade 9, contributing 40% of the final KILEA score.

Subjects Assessed:

• Mathematics
• English
• Kiswahili
• Integrated Science (covering various scientific disciplines)
• Social Studies (including History, Geography, and Citizenship)
• Creative Arts (Music, Art, and Craft)
• Physical and Health Education
• Religious Education
• Business Studies
• Other elective subjects based on the learners’ interests and the school’s offerings

Key Features of CBC Assessments:

• Formative and Summative Assessments: Balancing continuous school-based assessments with national summative exams to provide a comprehensive evaluation of learners’ skills and knowledge.
• Emphasis on Competency: Focuses on practical application, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Inclusivity: Aims to accommodate diverse learning needs and backgrounds, promoting equity in education.

These assessments are designed to ensure that learners develop essential skills and competencies needed for their future academic and professional endeavors.