CBC Senior School Subjects List (Grade 10–12): Compulsory & Optional Subjects
Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is set for a major milestone in January 2026 as the first group of CBC learners transitions to Senior School. This stage marks the fourth level of basic education after Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2), Primary (Grades 1–6), and Junior School (Grades 7–9).
Senior School will cover Grades 10, 11, and 12 over a period of three years, targeting learners aged 15–17 years. It is designed to prepare students for university, vocational training, or direct entry into the job market.
The curriculum is organised into three key pathways:
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
- Arts and Sports Science
- Social Sciences
CBC Senior School Compulsory Subjects
Each learner will study seven subjects in total, four of which are mandatory for everyone:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL)
- Mathematics – Core Mathematics for STEM learners or Essential Mathematics for others
- Community Service Learning (CSL)
CBC Senior School Optional Subjects
Students will choose three optional subjects, with at least two coming from their chosen pathway. The third subject may be selected from another pathway depending on career goals.
A. Arts & Sports Science Pathway
- Sports and Recreation
- Music and Dance
- Theatre and Film
- Fine Arts
B. Social Sciences Pathway
- Literature in English
- Indigenous Languages
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili
- Sign Language
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
- Christian Religious Education (CRE)
- Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
- Hindu Religious Education (HRE)
- Business Studies
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
C. STEM Pathway
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
- Agriculture
- Computer Studies
- Home Science
- Aviation
- Building Construction
- Electricity
- Metalwork
- Power Mechanics
- Woodwork
- Media Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
Additional Learning Areas for All Students
Beyond examinable subjects, learners will also participate in:
- Physical Education (PE) – 3 lessons weekly
- ICT Skills – 2 lessons weekly
- Personal or Group Study – 1 lesson weekly
- Pastoral/Religious Programme of Instruction (P/RPI) – 1 lesson weekly
Weekly Lesson Breakdown
Each week will consist of 40 lessons, each lasting 40 minutes:
- 5 lessons each for English, Kiswahili/KSL, Mathematics, and each optional subject
- 3 lessons for CSL and PE
- 2 lessons for ICT Skills
- 1 lesson each for Personal Study and P/RPI
Why the CBC Senior School Curriculum is Important
The new structure is intended to help learners specialise in areas that match their skills and career ambitions. It also encourages a balance between academic learning, practical skills, and moral development.
The Ministry of Education has instructed all Senior Schools to prepare for the CBC Senior School rollout in 2026, ensuring that learners get the resources and guidance they need for successful subject selection.
- Senior School has 4 compulsory subjects for all learners
- Students choose 3 optional subjects guided by their chosen career pathway
- The curriculum promotes specialisation, flexibility, and practical skills
- Implementation begins January 2026 for the first CBC cohort
