Grade 10 students under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework are experiencing challenges in selecting subject pathways aligned with their interests and future careers.
The CBE system allows learners to pursue specialized pathways including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports Science.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, the Principal of Vihiga Boys High School, Albert Masiolo, said the transition to Grade 10 has presented notable difficulties for learners, parents and teachers.
Masiolo said that after receiving their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) results, students were placed in different pathways by the Ministry of Education. However, upon admission, some learners opted to change their subject combinations, prompting the school to conduct an orientation involving parents, teachers and students.
He noted that parental influence and peer pressure were among the key challenges affecting learners’ choices.
“Some parents are forcing their children to pursue subject combinations that do not align with their interests, while others are influenced by their peers,” he said.
The principal added that about a quarter of the students are still undecided on their career paths and require guidance from teachers, especially where parental expectations differ from learners’ preferences.
To address the situation, Masiolo said the school administered assessment tests to guide placement of students into appropriate subject combinations based on their performance.
He further noted that the school is among a few in Western Kenya offering aviation studies under CBE, with 73 Grade 10 students currently enrolled.
Masiolo said learners have since proceeded for holidays with report cards that will help parents and students make informed decisions on subject selection before schools reopen.
He added that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will assess subject combinations, after which students will not be allowed to change or transfer to other pathways.
He emphasized that CBE is designed to nurture learners’ competencies and passions, urging parents and teachers to support students in making independent and informed choices.
by Florence Oteng’o
