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PCEA St Ninian's School

CBC explained

What is the CBC curriculum in Kenya?

A short, parent-friendly guide to Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum — and how PCEA St Ninian's delivers it in Nakuru.

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is Kenya's national education framework. It replaces the old 8-4-4 system with a 2-6-3-3-3 structure that grows learners from Pre-Primary through Senior School.

Instead of judging children on end-of-year exams alone, CBC develops seven core competencies alongside subject knowledge — so learners leave school as thinkers, communicators, collaborators and citizens.

The stages at a glance

  1. Pre-Primary

    PP1 – PP2

    A joyful, play-based foundation covering literacy, numeracy, environmental activities, creative arts, movement and Christian religious education.

  2. Lower Primary

    Grade 1 – 3

    Consolidates literacy and numeracy while introducing environmental activities, hygiene, CRE and creative arts.

  3. Upper Primary

    Grade 4 – 6

    Broadens to English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Social Studies, CRE, Agriculture, Home Science and Creative Arts.

  4. Junior Secondary

    Grade 7 – 9

    Core learning areas plus pathway explorations: Pure Sciences, Applied Sciences, Languages & Literature, Arts & Sports, Social Sciences.

Parent FAQs

How is CBC different from the old 8-4-4 system?

CBC focuses on skills and competencies — communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, citizenship, digital literacy, learning to learn and self-efficacy — rather than exam-only memorisation.

What are the CBC stages?

Early Years (PP1–PP2 and Grade 1–3), Middle School (Grade 4–6), and Junior Secondary (Grade 7–9). Senior School follows from Grade 10.

What learning areas are covered?

English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science & Technology, Social Studies, CRE, Agriculture, Home Science, Creative Arts and PE — with pathway explorations added in Junior Secondary.

How is CBC assessed?

A mix of classroom-based assessments, projects and national assessments (KPSEA at Grade 6, KJSEA at Grade 9) that measure competency, not just recall.

See CBC in action at St Ninian's

Explore our full CBC pathway or book a tour to meet the teachers.

See our pathwaysEnrol your child