The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has issued new instructions to schools amid the ongoing registration of Grade 10 learners, outlining the rules that will guide subject selection under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
In a circular obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, KNEC said the ongoing registration process, which requires principals to register Grade 10 learners on the School-Based Assessment (SBA) portal before July 30, will guide learner placement, classroom instruction and future assessments.
“Subject choices registered will form the basis for learner placement, instruction, and subsequent assessment processes; therefore, schools must ensure accuracy and compliance with the prescribed guidelines,” the circular read.
Schools have been directed to register learners strictly according to their confirmed career pathways and subject choices.
The council also instructed institutions to ensure every subject combination complies with the approved Senior School curriculum and the pathways available in each school.
KNEC clarified that learners who opt for General Science will not be allowed to register for Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
Additionally, the circular outlined mathematics requirements based on learners’ selected pathways and science subjects.
Students pursuing two or three pure science subjects will be required to study Core Mathematics instead of Essential Mathematics.
Those enrolled in Applied Sciences, Technical and Engineering, Social Sciences, Arts or Sports pathways will have the option of taking either Core Mathematics or Essential Mathematics.
KNEC also stated that students can only choose one religious education subject, either Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE) or Hindu Religious Education (HRE).
Further, the council directed that Kenya Sign Language should only be taken by learners with hearing impairment, who will not be eligible to sit Kiswahili or Fasihi ya Kiswahili.
Hearing learners, on the other hand, may take Sign Language Skills but not Kenya Sign Language.
The council urged schools to comply with the guidelines to ensure a seamless registration process and avoid errors that could affect learner placement and assessment.
