Understanding the CBC curriculum should be a priority for all parents today.
As Unity School we are here to help demystify the CBC curriculum for our parents and learners. It is now clear that education entails teamwork and collaboration between the learners, schools and parents to get the best out of it.
Here, we will outline the different levels of education and what is expected at each stage.
Playgroup (Up to 3 Years)
At Unity School, we offer a Playgroup class for children below 3 years before they join Pre-Primary.
- Focus: Social interaction, motor skills, creativity, music, and structured play.
- Why it matters: It prepares young learners emotionally, physically, and socially for the transition into Pre-Primary.
- Parents’ role: Encourage curiosity through play, storytelling, and simple routines at home.
Pre-Primary (PP1 & PP2) – Ages 4 to 5 Official CBC Curriculum Foundation
At this stage we focus on early literacy, numeracy, social skills, and play-based learning.
- Subjects: Language, Mathematics, Environmental Activities, Religious Activities, Creative Arts, and Physical Education.
- Goal: Build confidence, curiosity, and social interaction.
Lower Primary (Grades 1–3) – Ages 6 to 8
Here, learning within the cbc curriculum is structured in a friendly and practical way.
- Subjects: English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Environmental Activities, Hygiene & Nutrition, Movement, Religious Education, Music, Art & Craft.
- Goal: Strengthen reading, writing, problem-solving, and responsibility.
Upper Primary (Grades 4–6) – Ages 9 to 11
Learners transition from lower primary with a National School based Assessment that is used to gauge learners capabilities. In Upper primary they expand their skills and start applying knowledge in projects and group work.
- New subjects added: Science & Technology, Social Studies, Agriculture, and Home Science.
- Goal: Develop collaboration, research skills, and practical application of knowledge.
School based assessments are administered regularly in upper primary and cumulatively used to track the learners’ progress before they proceed to Grade 7.
Junior Secondary (Grades 7–9) – Ages 12 to 15
This is a transition stage where learners explore different fields before specializing.
- Core subjects: English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Business Studies, Pre-Technical Studies, Computer Science, Health Education, and Visual/Performing Arts.
- Goal: Help learners discover their interests and strengths.
At the end of Grade 9, learners are assessed in a National Examination which combined with results from the school bases assessments is used to place learners in Grade 10.
Senior Secondary (Grades 10–12) – Ages 15 to 17
2026 Grade 10 class, the pioneers of the CBC curriculum and Grade 9 learners, are currently choosing their pathway depending on their talents and career goals. The three pathways are:
- Arts & Sports Science
- Social Sciences
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
At the seinor secondary stage, the subjects and projects they will have will prepare them for higher education, vocational training, or entrepreneurship in their specialized areas.
Tertiary / Career Pathways
After senior secondary, learners can join:
- University
- Technical & Vocational Colleges (TVET)
- Specialized institutions (arts, sports, technology)
Why Understanding the CBC curriculum is Important for Parents
- You can anticipate what’s coming next and prepare early.
- You’ll understand why your child’s subjects keep changing.
- You can support them in making informed choices at the senior school stage.
Conclusion
From Playgroup all the way to Senior School, the CBC journey is designed to nurture well-rounded learners who are not only academically capable but also practical, creative, and ready for real life. At Unity School, we walk this journey together with parents — ensuring your child thrives at every step.
👉 Next Blog Preview
In our next article, we’ll dive into CBC assessment — how exams have changed, what continuous assessment means, and how to interpret your child’s progress reports.
Enjoying the content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with us on this CBC journey!
Sign up for our newsletter here for more educational content!