The transition to Grade 9 under Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) marks an important milestone for students. As the first stage of Senior Secondary School, this phase allows learners to begin shaping their educational journeys based on their interests, abilities, and career aspirations. For parents, understanding this transition is crucial in providing the right guidance and support. From subject choices to career pathways, here are the key things every parent should note when navigating this important stage.

The Purpose of Grade 9 in CBC

Grade 9 is designed to act as a bridge between Junior Secondary School (Grades 7 and 8) and Senior Secondary School (Grades 10 to 12). At this stage, learners begin to explore different subjects and areas of interest in preparation for choosing their specialized pathway in Grade 10. It’s a time of exploration, self-discovery, and preparation for future academic and career choices.

The Three Pathways in Senior Secondary School

Under CBC, students transitioning to Senior Secondary School must choose one of three key pathways:

• Arts and Sports Science Pathway: Focuses on creative talents, performance arts, and physical education.
• Social Sciences Pathway: Includes subjects like history, geography, and business studies.
• STEM Pathway: Emphasizes mathematics, sciences, and technical subjects such as ICT and engineering.

Grade 9 provides students with the foundational exposure they need to make an informed decision about their pathway in Grade 10.

Assessing Your Child’s Interests and Strengths

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children identify their interests and strengths. Observe your child’s performance in school, ask about their favorite subjects, and encourage conversations about their aspirations. For instance, if your child enjoys science experiments and problem-solving, they might thrive in the STEM pathway. On the other hand, a child with a love for music or theater may excel in the Arts and Sports Science pathway.

Subject Selection and Specialization

Unlike the 8-4-4 system, where students had a broad subject selection until Form 4, CBC requires learners to specialize early. Students will select subjects based on their chosen pathway.

Parents should:

• Engage in open discussions with their children about career aspirations.
• Encourage exposure to different fields through mentorship, career talks, and hands-on experiences.
• Seek guidance from teachers and career counselors to make informed decisions.

Choosing the Right School

Not all schools offer all three pathways, so finding a school that aligns with your child’s chosen pathway is essential. When selecting a school, consider:

• Pathway Specialization: Check which pathways the school offers and how well-equipped it is to support them.
• Reputation: Look into the school’s performance history, resources, and extracurricular programs.
• Proximity: A school closer to home may be more practical, but prioritize quality over convenience.

Use platforms like GoShule to explore detailed school profiles and reviews to make an informed choice.

Understanding Assessments in Grade 9 and Placement

Assessment under CBC is different from the national exam-based system of 8-4-4. Instead of relying solely on one exam, students are evaluated continuously through:

• Classroom-based assessments (CBA)
• Capstone Projects and practical assignments
• Community service and extracurricular participation

National assessments play a crucial role in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system, as they evaluate students' mastery of the acquired competencies and determine their progression to the next level of education. Placement will be determined by learners’ choice of pathways, tracks, and schools, school category, and capacity, merit, and equity. Learners not placed in schools of their choice will be placed in available slots in schools offering the pathway and tracks of their choice. No learner will be denied the opportunity to join a senior school. Selection and placement will be fully computerised and will be done during registration for Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) via the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) portal. Selection and placement will be restricted to learners who have successfully completed the requirements for Grade 9. Parents should encourage their children to take all assessments seriously as they contribute to their final placement.

Financial Planning for Senior School

With the introduction of different pathways, some Senior Schools may require specialized equipment, training, or materials (e.g., musical instruments, sports gear, science kits). Parents should:

• Start planning early for any extra costs that may come with the chosen pathway.
• Look out for available scholarships or financial aid options for Senior School.
• Budget accordingly to ensure a smooth transition for their child.

The Grade 9 transition under CBC is an exciting opportunity for students to begin tailoring their education to their future aspirations. By understanding the system, supporting your child, and embracing the flexibility offered by CBC, you can help them lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling academic journey.Have questions or tips about navigating the CBC transition? Share your thoughts in the comments or explore more resources on GoShule!