09/04/2026
Grade 10: Teacher’s Guide on Competency-Based Education in Kenya
What Learners Are Required to Select
Learners are required to take certain core subjects that form the foundation of their education. These core subjects include: English Language, Kiswahili, Mathematics and Community Service Learning.
Beyond these core subjects, learners have the freedom to choose elective subjects based on their interests and future career goals. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to suit their strengths and aspirations. Some of the elective subject areas include:
1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Biology, Chemistry and Physics
2. Social Sciences: History, Geography and Religious Studies.
3. Support Subjects: Agriculture, Business Studies and Computer Studies
Examples of Subject Combinations
To help teachers and schools plan effectively, here are examples of how learners might combine their subjects:
Student A, 1-2-3 (STEM)
Core: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili and CSL
1. Physics, Chemistry, Business or Agriculture
2. Biology, Chemistry, Business or Agriculture
3. Physics, Biology, Business or Agriculture
Note:For Applied Science, subjects like Biology and Agriculture are compulsory.
Student B,1-2-3 (Social Science)
Core: Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, CSL
1. Geography, RE, Agriculture or Business
2. Geography, History, Agriculture or Business
3. History,RE, Agriculture or Business
These combinations help schools structure timetables, allocate lessons and organize classrooms efficiently. This will ensure that learners get the best possible learning experience.
Otherwise, if you allow a student to have Business and Agriculture then you will have a rough time in structuring your timetable. A TT has 40 lessons a week, so guide your learners through selection depending on your school available resources(teachers and classrooms specifically)...
Assessment in CBE/Measuring Competency
Assessment in CBE is continuous and varied. It is designed to capture the full range of learner competencies. Here are three key assessment techniques used:
1. Classroom Assessment (Individual and Group)
This is ongoing and happens during lessons. Teachers observe and evaluate learners’ participation, practical skills and group work to track progress continuously.
2. Written Assessment (School and KNEC)
These assessments take place after a set period and test learners understanding through written assessments. They include both school tests and national exams administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
3. Practical and Project Assessment
Learners demonstrate their skills through projects, experiments and real-life tasks. These are assessed to ensure that learners can apply knowledge practically.
Crafting Effective Lesson Plans in CBE
A well prepared lesson plan is the backbone of successful teaching under CBE. Here’s what every teacher’s lesson plan should include and why:
1.Your Name. This identifies the teacher responsible for the lesson.
2. Roll/Number of Learners Present. Keeping track of attendance helps in managing the class and understanding learner participation.
3. Name of the School. This is important for record keeping and official documentation.
4. Three Objectives Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Objectives should cover three domains:
Skill- What practical ability will learners develop?
Attitude- What mindset or values will learners cultivate?
Knowledge- What facts or concepts will learners understand?
5. Input Key Inquiry Question (KIQ). This is the central question that guides the lesson and sparks curiosity.
6. Four Steps Lesson Summary. Divide your lesson into four clear stages;
a. Introducing the Lesson: Capture learners’ attention and introduce the topic.
b. Guided Discovery: Facilitate exploration and understanding through questions and activities.
c. Supervised Practice: Allow learners to practice skills with teacher support.
d. Conclusion: Summarize key points and reinforce learning.
7. Reflection. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This helps you grow as a teacher and enhances future lessons.
Competency-Based Education is more than just a curriculum change. It is a shift towards nurturing capable, confident and competent learners ready to face the world. Embracing CBE means adopting new ways of planning, teaching and assessing that focus on real-life skills and holistic development. With clear subject guides, continuous assessment and thoughtful lesson planning, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of education in Kenya.
Written by Mwalimu Victor
