<h3>Mathematics no longer a mandatory subject for students moving to Senior School</h3>
<p>Mathematics will no longer be a mandatory subject for students moving to senior secondary school, representing a significant change under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).</p>
<p>Students will instead be required to study English or Kenya Sign Language, Kiswahili, Physical Education, and Community Service Learning as compulsory subjects, while they can select from a range of 38 options to tailor their academic and career paths.</p>
<p>This marks a departure from the previous 8-4-4 system, where Mathematics was a core subject alongside English, Kiswahili, and at least two sciences (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology).</p>
<p>Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, announced on Thursday that Grade 9 students—the first cohort under the CBC—will start choosing their subjects and senior schools in the second term of this year.</p>
<p>“We are allowing time for parents and students to discuss their interests and future plans. The selection process will commence as soon as they return to school,” he stated.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has suggested capping the number of students from a single junior secondary school entering the same senior school to a maximum of five.</p>
<p>This change aims to enhance diversity in student placement, although some stakeholders believe it may be overly ambitious, particularly for day schools that draw students from local areas.</p>
<p>On Thursday, the Kenya National Examination Council revealed that the final Grade 9 score will be determined by students&#8217; performance in primary school, internal assessments by teachers, and their results from the national Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) conducted at the end of the year.</p>
<p>The KJSEA will account for 60 percent of the final score and will also influence the student&#8217;s placement in senior secondary school.</p>
<p>The remaining 40 percent will be evenly divided between scores from internal assessments by classroom teachers and primary school performance.</p>
<p>Students who are unhappy with their placements will have the chance to request transfers, depending on available spots after they report.</p>
<p>For private candidates—those not enrolled in formal education—placement will only be available in day senior secondary schools.</p>
<p>Senior schools will now be divided into three main academic pathways to accommodate the varied interests and abilities of students.</p>
<p>The Triple Pathway Schools will provide three distinct areas of learning: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), social sciences, and arts and sports.</p>
<p>However, students will not be required to study all three; they will choose a pathway that best fits their strengths and goals.</p>
<p>The Double Pathway Schools will offer either STEM and social sciences or STEM and arts.</p>
<p>In the meantime, the Vocational and Special Needs Pathway Schools will serve students with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, and cognitive difficulties, emphasizing practical vocational training suited to their skills.</p>
<p>To enhance the placement process, the ministry has categorized senior schools into three types based on their accommodation options: day schools, hybrid schools that can host both boarding and day students, and schools designed specifically for boys, girls, or mixed-gender groups. Special needs schools will focus solely on students with hearing, visual, or physical disabilities and will be equipped with the necessary resources to assist them.</p>

