They say “learning is a continuous procedure.” Continuous learning is one of the things i like doing. Learning is good when the knowledge gained is shared. Here i will share something learned on CBC.

What is a Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC)

• This is a curriculum that focuses on what learners can actually do after learning, not just what they know.
• It imparts skills, abilities, values, and attitudes, not just passing exams.

• It does not only teach theory, but trains learners to apply knowledge in real life.
• The curriculum evaluates if the learner can solve real problems and create things. It assesses if they can work well with others, think critically, and act responsibly.

Key Features

• It Focuses on Competencies: Mastery of specific skills is expected. These include communication, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy, etc.

• It is Learner-centered: it makes the learner more  active. The students engage in activities, projects, teamwork, and practical work.

• It’s Content is flexible: Lessons are adapted to meet different learning needs and local environments.

• The assessment is by Skills: the evaluation is based on demonstrated competencies not just exams. Assessment is based on projects, presentations, portfolios, performance tasks, etc.

• It is based on a holistic approach: It develops the whole person through imparting knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.

• It is lifelong learning. It prepares learners for a changing world. This education is not just for school, but for life and work.

Factual difference with traditional system
• In a traditional system, students memorize the formula for photosynthesis. They are required to write it in an exam.

• In CBC students are required to explain and demonstrate through a project, or apply the idea of photosynthesis. They can do through designing a mini greenhouse.
• The old system  looks at what learners know

• CBC looks at what learners can do with what they know

Rationale for CBC

• It prepares learners for real-world challenges.

• It will reduces the problem of unemployable graduates.

• It encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and adaptability.

• It builds critical soft skills needed in modern economies.

The CBC Framework in Kenya
CBC was introduced in  Kenya  officially in 2017.

It was done through the Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF) by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

The design aimed to replace the old 8-4-4 system. This previous system was seen as being too exam-focused. It did not prepare learners for real-life challenges.

Main Pillars
1. It is values-Based Education
CBC. It emphasizes on the national values, good citizenship, ethics, and life skills. These values include integrity, responsibility, and patriotism.

2. It has a Competency-Based Approach
• It focuses on learners demonstrating ability rather than just repeating information.
• It stresses practical application of knowledge and skills.

3. It incorporates community service learning
• Students participate in community activities to connect education with real societal needs.

4. It emphasizes parental engagement.
• Parents are expected to actively support their children’s learning at home. They should not leave everything to teachers.

5. It is inclusive education.
• It is designed to be flexible for all learners. This includes those with special needs and disabilities.

CBC Structure in Kenya:
CBC structured into a 2-6-3-3-3 system with:
• Pre-primary – 2 years
• Lower Primary – 3 years
• Upper Primary – 3 years
• Junior secondary- 3 years
• Senior secondary-3 years
• Tertiary- 3 years

It recommends learners to start school at the age of 4-5 years and exit at tertiary and University at 18 years

Subjects and Pathways
• Pathways start  in Senior secondary after Junior Secondary (Grade 7–9).

• In Junior secondary learners explore different areas. These include sports science, pre-technical studies, performing arts, and visual arts. This is in addition to the compulsory subjects.

• In Senior Secondary (Grade 10–12), they choose specialized pathways.
• The Pathways include:

1. Arts and Sports Science
2. Social Sciences Science,
3. Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Challenges Facing  CBC in Kenya

1. Teacher training gaps – majority of teachers were not  ready for the shift. Many teachers find it harder to adjust to Learner-centered teaching methods.

2. High costs-  Materials, books, and infrastructure needed for CBC are expensive.

3. Parental confusion- Parents are expected to be more involved in  helping kids with projects, home activities, and learning journals. Many parents don’t understand the CBC system well or feel overwhelmed. Many parents don’t fully understand their role in CBC.

4. Assessment pressures- it has been hard for some schools to move  from exams to project-based assessment. Some schools and parents are still too exam-focused, trying to treat CBC like the old system.

5. High Cost of Implementation
CBC requires more learning materials like textbooks, digital devices, project tools. Some schools, especially in rural areas, lack resources.

6. Infrastructure Challenges-
CBC requires facilities like science labs, art rooms, ICT centers, etc. Many public schools lack these.

7. Equity Issues
Wealthier schools can implement CBC better. Underfunded rural schools face challenges. This creates a gap in the quality of education.

Major Strengths of CBC in Kenya
1. It identifies and develops talents early different from earlier notion that everyone has to become a doctor or lawyer.

2. Produces all-rounded individuals with life skills, not just academic qualifications.

3. Makes learning more practical, enjoyable, and relevant to real life.

4. Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship from a young age.