Grade 10 learners joining Senior School under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) will choose from three pathways.
The Ministry of Education’s Grade 10 Selection System groups Senior School studies into STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts & Sports Science.
Learners select three subjects from their preferred combination alongside the compulsory learning areas.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) directed schools to strictly adhere to new guidelines during the ongoing registration of Grade 10 learners, saying the selected subjects will determine learner placement, classroom instruction, and future assessments.
“Subject choices registered will form the basis for learner placement, instruction, and subsequent assessment processes; therefore, schools must ensure accuracy and compliance with the prescribed guidelines,” the KNEC circular dated July 27 read.
CBC Pathway: STEM Option
STEM has the broadest structure of the three pathways, covering Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, and Technical Studies.
The official subject-combination list includes Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Core Mathematics, Computer Studies, Agriculture, Aviation, Building and Construction, Electricity, Marine and Fisheries, Metal Work, Power Mechanics and Woodwork.
According to education officials, the range provides routes into careers in science, medicine, engineering, technology, agriculture, and technical fields, offering learners different routes within the same pathway depending on their abilities and career interests.
Under the STEM CBC Pathway, some combinations are highly academic, such as Core Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry.
In contrast, others combine mathematics and sciences with practical subjects such as Aviation, Electricity, or Building and Construction.
Other technical combinations include subjects such as Electricity, Building & Construction, Power Mechanics, Computer Studies, Metal Work, and Wood Work.
Medicine aspirants can consider combinations such as Core Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, while other science combinations include Core Mathematics, Biology, and Physics, and Core Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics.
Engineering aspirants have additional options involving mathematics, physics, computer studies, and technical subjects.
Some engineering-related fields also have more specialized combinations. Learners interested in electrical engineering can pursue combinations involving Electricity, Physics, and Advanced Mathematics, while those interested in mechanical engineering can consider Power Mechanics, Physics, and Advanced Mathematics.
Also Read: Top 6 Counties With the Most CBC Pathway Options for Grade 10 Learners
Social Sciences
The Social Sciences focus on Humanities, Business Studies, and Languages & Literature.
Subject combinations include History and Citizenship, Geography, Business Studies, Literature in English, and Kiswahili literature and languages.
The official subject list also includes combinations such as Business Studies, Geography and Literature in English, and Business Studies, German and History & Citizenship.
Other combinations listed include Business Studies, German and Hindu Religious Education; General Science, Geography and Hindu Religious Education; and Computer Studies, Geography and History & Citizenship.
Learners following this route can progress into areas including business, law, education, communication, public administration, economics, and other social science disciplines.
For learners interested in law, combinations involving History & Citizenship, Geography, Literature in English, and Business Studies can provide a relevant academic foundation by developing skills in areas such as communication, analysis, and understanding society.
Arts & Sports Science
Arts and Sports Science is designed for learners interested in creative and sporting disciplines, allowing learners with demonstrated ability in creative or sporting activities to pursue those interests as part of their Senior School education.
The pathway includes subjects such as Fine Arts, Theatre & Film, Music & Dance, and Sports & Recreation. Some combinations also bring in subjects from other areas, including Biology, Business Studies, Geography, History, and Citizenship.
Subject combinations include creative combinations such as Literature in English, Music & Dance, and Theatre & Film, as well as combinations that pair creative subjects with Biology, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Geography, and History & Citizenship.
Career areas associated with the pathway include the creative arts, film, music, sports, coaching, and sports management.
Also Read: Senior Schools Offering All Three CBC Career Pathways [FULL LIST]
What Learners Should Consider
Education officials have encouraged learners to choose pathways based on their interests, abilities, and future aspirations.
A learner targeting medicine, engineering, or computing may require an appropriate STEM combination.
Another learner interested in law, business, or languages may find Social Sciences more suitable; at the same time, learners with strong abilities in music, theatre, visual arts, or sport may opt for Arts & Sports Science.
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