Senior secondary school in the Competency Based Curriculum in Kenya (CBC) comprises of three years of learning in the grades 10, 11 and 12 and marks the end of Basic Education in Kenya. Students at this level have the opportunity to specialize in one of the three career pathways of their choice according to their potential, interests and personality.
At this pre-career stage, students will learn the core subjects and elective subjects based on career choice, interests, personality and aptitude.
This article explores the senior secondary school core subjects, pathways & tracks, and elective subjects in each track.
See also CBE Senior School Subject Combinations in Kenya
CBC Structure: Organization of Basic Education Model.
Senior Secondary School Core Subjects
There are a total of four core subjects at the Senior School (SS) level. These are:
I) English
If a learner takes the Languages Track and chooses English as one of the learning areas (subjects), he/she should choose another (3rd) learning area.
II) Kiswahili
Learners who choose the Languages Track with Kiswahili as one of their learning areas will take an additional (3rd) learning area.
III) Physical Education (PE)
PE at SS aims to extend the development of sports skills, physical wellness and sportsmanship in all learners.
IV) Community Learning Project (CLP)
CLP enables learners to explore experiential learning opportunities as they apply learned competencies and values in various contexts, engaging in projects that benefit both themselves and the community.
Senior School Pathways and Tracks
There are three career pathways at senior school. Each pathway is further split into specialty tracks, each with its own subjects. Here is a breakdown of these levels and subject selection at each pathway:
Arts & Sports Science Pathway
The arts and sports pathway is subdivided into sports science and arts. Here are the subjects under each track:
Sports Science
- Sports and Recreation
- Physical Education (Core)
Arts
- Music and Dance
- Theatre and Film
- Fine Arts
See also: CBC Junior School Subjects in Kenya
Social Sciences Pathway
Comprises the Languages & Literature and Humanities & Business Studies tracks.
Languages & Literature Subjects
- English
- Literature in English
- Indigenous Languages
- KSL/ Kiswahili
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili
- Sign Language
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
Humanities & Business Studies Subjects
- Christian Religious Education (CRE)
- Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
- Hindu Religious Education (HRE)
- Community Learning Project (CLP)
- Business Studies
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Pathway
The STEM career pathway for senior secondary school comprises pure sciences, applied sciences and technical studies tracks, each with its own subjects.
Pure Sciences
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
Applied Sciences
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
- Home Science
Read: Advanced Maths Now Available to All in the New Grade 10 Subject Selection Rule
Technical Studies
- Aviation
- Building and Construction
- Electricity
- Metal Work
- Power Mechanics
- Woodwork
- Media Technology ( particular schools)
- Marine and Fisheries Technology (particular schools)
List of All Subjects at Senior Secondary School
Here is a list of all subjects offered at the senior school level:
Time Allocation for Subjects at Senior Secondary
In the CBE for senior school, Kiswahili, English, Core Mathematics/ Essential Mathematics, and elective subjects are each allocated 5 lessons per week.
| Core Subjects | |
| English | 5 |
| Kiswahili | 5 |
| Community Learning | 3 |
| Physical Education | 3 |
| ICT | 2 |
| Elective Subjects | |
| Option 1 | 5 |
| Option 2 | 5 |
| Option 3 | 5 |
Read also: List of Grade 6 CBC Course Books Approved by KICD
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