As your child prepares to transition to Senior School under Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, you are called to play one of the most critical roles in their academic and career journey — helping them select the right career pathway and subject track. This decision is not only mandatory but pivotal in shaping your child’s future trajectory. At Sun and Shield Primary & Junior School, we are committed to walking this journey with you.
Understanding the Pathways
Every learner must choose one of the three Senior School pathways offered under CBE:
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
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Social Sciences
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Arts and Sports Sciences
This choice should be informed by your child’s strengths, talents, interests, and future aspirations. A good understanding of who your child is and where their passion lies is crucial in identifying the best-fit pathway.
Subject Tracks and Combinations
Each pathway offers several subject tracks. Learners are expected to select three elective subjects. These can either come:
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From one track (which is highly encouraged), or
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Across tracks within the same pathway.
While the flexibility to combine subjects across tracks exists, we recommend that learners specialize within a single track. This strategic approach provides clear alignment with career goals, facilitates in-depth learning, and reduces academic overload or subject conflict. For example, a learner passionate about healthcare would benefit from selecting Biology, Chemistry, and Health Education — all within the Applied Science track — rather than mixing with unrelated electives.
Why Specializing Makes a Difference
Choosing a single track enhances:
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Career Relevance: A focused subject combination directly supports specific career pathways.
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Higher Education Readiness: Universities and TVET institutions favor applicants with consistent academic backgrounds.
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Concept Mastery: Complementary subjects deepen understanding and reduce academic strain.
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Efficient Assessment Preparation: CBC involves practicals and projects; a unified subject focus simplifies evaluation.
Senior School Selection Guidelines
When selecting schools for Grade 10 admission, every subject combination must be matched with four schools, one from each of the four designated clusters (C1, C2, C3 & C4) — and this process is repeated for all three sets. This helps distribute opportunities and align placements fairly and regionally.
The Parents’ Role is Key
As a parent or guardian, your support and involvement are invaluable. We encourage you to:
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Engage in open conversations with your child about their interests and natural talents.
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Seek advice from teachers, career counselors, and professionals in various fields.
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Avoid imposing popular or familiar pathways that may not reflect your child’s passion.
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Nurture curiosity, exploration, and confidence in your child’s unique abilities.
Final Thought
"Every child is uniquely gifted. The CBC is not just about passing exams; it is about unlocking each learner’s purpose and potential."
Let us partner together to ensure that every child in our care is not only well-informed but also inspired to pursue a path where they will thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world.
