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| Teachers Raise Alarm Over Readiness of Pioneer Grade 10 CBE Learners |
Teachers Raise Alarm Over Readiness of Pioneer Grade 10 CBE Learners
As Kenya begins senior secondary education under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, many educators and parents are raising concerns about how prepared the first Grade 10 learners really are.
This group, often referred to as the pioneer CBE cohort, is being compared to students who previously joined secondary school as Form Ones under the 8-4-4 system, and the differences are becoming increasingly noticeable.
Teachers in various senior schools say that many Grade 10 learners are struggling with skills that were once expected at the start of secondary education.
Basic reading and comprehension, clear writing, numeracy, and the ability to study independently appear weaker than they were among learners from the 8-4-4 system.
Under the old curriculum, students were exposed to a structured syllabus, regular testing, and demanding examinations, which, despite their pressure, helped learners develop strong academic foundations and discipline.
The CBE system, on the other hand, focuses more on continuous assessment, projects, and demonstrating practical skills rather than sitting for high-stakes exams. While this approach is meant to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and talent, critics argue that it has not been implemented effectively.
In many cases, learners progressed by completing activities and portfolios without fully mastering key concepts. As a result, some students are entering senior school with impressive files of work but lacking confidence and depth in core subjects.
Teachers Raise Alarm Over Readiness of Pioneer Grade 10 CBE Learners
This situation has placed a heavy burden on teachers, who are now expected to teach the senior school curriculum while also helping learners catch up on basic skills.
Without proper support and remedial programmes, educators fear that these gaps may widen, affecting learners’ performance and self-esteem.
Parents are equally divided, with some supporting the learner-centred nature of CBE, while others worry that their children are being affected by an untested system.
Education authorities insist that these challenges are part of the transition and believe the system will improve over time.
However, many stakeholders agree that urgent steps are needed to strengthen foundational learning at earlier stages.
The experience of this first Grade 10 cohort will likely influence future decisions, highlighting the importance of balancing practical skills with strong academic grounding to ensure learners are truly prepared for the next level of education.
Teachers Raise Alarm Over Readiness of Pioneer Grade 10 CBE Learners