Mastering the CBC Assessments

Mastering the CBC Assessments: A Comprehensive Preparation Guide

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) marks a significant shift in the Kenyan education system. It replaced the 8-4-4 system in 2017 which was 8 years in primary schooling, four years in secondary and a minimum of 4 years of university education. The new curriculum consists of 2 years in pre-primary education, 6 years in primary education, 3 years in junior secondary, 3 years in senior secondary and 3 years (minimum) in university education. This split makes it a 2-6-3-3-3 education cycle.

In comparison to the 8-4-4 system, the CBC learners are assisted in their learning and not taught. This puts the focus on the ability of the learner to self-learn and acquire skills. CBC learners will not sit for any major exams. Instead, they will be evaluated through continuous assessment tests throughout the year.

What competencies are taught?

There are seven core competencies in CBC. These are:

1. Communication and collaboration

2. Critical thinking and problem solving

3. Imagination and creativity

4. Citizenship

5. Learning to learn

6. Self-efficacy

7. Digital literacy

What learning areas are covered?

To ensure digital literacy of learners, this is integrated across all learning areas. ICT also serves as a learning tool in all areas. Learning is split into each phase:

Pre-primary:

· Language activities

· Mathematical activities

· Environmental activities

· Psychomotor and creative activities

· Religious education activities

· Pre-braille activities

Primary:

· Literacy activities/braille literacy activities

· Kiswahili language activities/Kenya sign language for learners who are deaf

· English language activities

· Mathematical activities

· Environmental activities

· Hygiene and nutrition activities

· Religious education activities

· Movement and creative activities

Upper primary:

· English

· Kiswahili or Kenya sign language

· Home science

· Agriculture

· Science and technology

· Mathematics

· Religious education

· Creative arts

· Physical and health education

· Social sciences

In JSS, learners will be required to take 12 core subjects:

· English

· Kiswahili or Kenya sign language

· Mathematics

· Integrated science

· Health education

· Pre-technical and pre-career education

· Social studies

· Religious education

· Business studies

· Agriculture

· Life skills

· Sport and physical education

Additionally, there are optional foreign languages on offer. These include Arabic, French, German and Mandarin. Learners can also learn indigenous languages as well as Kenyan Sign language and braille literacy.

What is a teacher’s involvement?

Teachers collaborate with community partners and learners in competency-based education. Together they create a personalised learning journey for each learner that is based on their interests, learning needs and real-time data. This requires the teachers to get to know their learners and be able to give personalised instruction, feedback and support.

The assessment system

A comprehensive evaluation system is used to measure the competency of learners to determine whether they are learning the abilities and are able to apply their knowledge. Daily instruction is guided by formative assessments. Summative assessments are utilised to demonstrate skill improvement through flexible pathways and diverse approaches. Each competency assessment tool comprises of three major components namely criteria, indicators and graduated scale.

Grade Transition

PP2 to Grade 1 (Pre-Primary to Lower Primary): Learners sit for an exam developed by the teacher (internally) before they transition to grades 1, 2 and 3 (Lower Primary).
Grade 3 to Grade 4 (Lower Primary to Upper Primary): Learners sit for school-based national assessment before transitioning to Grades 4, 5 and 6 (upper primary)
Grade 6 to Grade 7 (Upper Primary to Lower Secondary): Learners do a school-based assessment which accounts for 60% (in grades 4, 5, 6) and summative assessment (national exams) at the end of Grade 6 (this accounts for 40%) before transitioning to lower secondary.

How does grading work?

In the CBC, grades represent the level of competency mastery. If a learner doesn’t receive course credits, the competencies must be re-learned.

What is the learning pace?

In the old education system, learners progressed at the pace of the teacher. In the CBC, learners receive individualised support both in and out of school. This ensures that they are able to receive what they need, when they need it. Learners have more control over their learning pace and direction.

How can parents assist?

Parental engagement and empowerment in the learning process is essential to the child’s growth and development. Parents can support their child in the following ways:

· Teach and guide your child to make the right choices and make them aware of consequences.

· Take part in activities on offer at the school and get involved in their planning and development.

· Be interested in what your child is learning – discuss topics at home and allow open discussion.

· Engage with the teacher to enrich your child’s learning experiences.

· Instill a sense of responsibility by encouraging your child to participate in running your home.

· Identify your child’s natural talents and abilities and work with the teachers to nurture them.

What are the advantages of the Competence-Based Curriculum?

1. Quality learning: The main principle behind CBC lies in practising quality learning that serves all learners.

2. Equal opportunity: Improved facilities and new training ensures that the CBC programme offers equal chances for all Kenyans.

3. Flexibility: Learners can enter the programme at any level as long as they have enough credit.

4. Ownership: More responsibility is given to learners, and it is up to them (with the help of the teacher) to reach their goals

5. Closer teacher-student interaction: The teacher is required to study a child and become familiar with their strengths and weaknesses.

6. Individualised learning and support: Learners work towards mastery in their own way, with the support of the teacher.

7. Improved grading and assessments: Learners are graded according to their work and their progress over time.

8. Authentic learning: Teachers facilitate authentic tasks and assessments instead of tests. These are more engaging.

Preparing for CBC assessments

Like any exam, preparation is key. Revision throughout the year is a good habit to instill in learners. By starting early and implementing these habits consistently, parents can help their child reap the long-term benefits of a solid education. Once the assessment date start getting closer, it is vitally important to set up a study schedule. This will ensure that learners have enough time to learn their work and are able to apply their knowledge. An early start will also ensure that any weak areas can be addressed timeously.

Stressing about assessments is completely normal and in small doses, even healthy. However, to avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that learners are prepared, here are a few tips:

1. Set aside enough time to study

2. Organise your study area

3. Summarise your work using flow charts and diagrams

4. Talk to your parents about the work and share your thoughts and applications

5. Take regular breaks

6. Eat well, drink lots of water and get enough sleep

7. Limit your intake of caffeine

8. Manage your stress with exercise

9. Ask for support or assistance if you need it

Make sure you have everything you need for your assessment day to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible.

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Building Executive Function Skills in Primary School Children

February 10, 2026

Executive function skills are the mental processes that help children plan, focus, remember instructions and manage their behaviour. These skills act as the brain’s “control system,” guiding how children think, learn and interact with others. In primary school, strong executive function supports academic success as well as emotional maturity, independence and positive social behaviour. For parents and educators alike, understanding how these skills develop is critical to supporting child brain development in meaningful, practical ways. What Are Executive Function Skills? Executive function skills are commonly grouped into three core areas: 1. Working memory: This is the ability to hold and use information. For example, remembering multi-step instructions. 2. Cognitive flexibility. This is the ability to adapt, shift thinking and try new approaches. 3. Inhibitory control: This is the ability to pause, resist impulses and regulate behaviour. When a child remembers their homework, switches from maths to reading and waits their turn to speak, they are using executive functioning in kids in everyday situations. These skills develop gradually and are shaped by experience, guidance and environment. This is especially true during early and primary years. Read more on why early development is important. Why Executive Function Skills Matter in Primary School In school settings, executive skills directly affect learning as well as behaviour. · Working memory in children helps them to follow lessons · Self-regulation skills for students assists in managing emotions · Improving attention in school children is essential during tasks · Impulse control in classrooms helps to reduce disruptions Learners with strong executive functioning are better able to complete tasks, organise their work, manage frustration and collaborate with their peers. These skills also support independence and help children take responsibility for routines, deadlines and their personal behaviour. Key Challenges Children Might Face Some common signs of underdeveloped executive skills include: · Forgetting instructions or losing items · Struggling to switch between different tasks · Acting impulsively or interrupting the class · Difficulty managing emotions · Poor time awareness These challenges don’t mean that a child is lazy or incapable. They often reflect developing brain systems that simply need a little guidance and practice. How Parents Can Support Executive Function at Home Parents play a powerful role in shaping executive function. Simple daily strategies can be incorporated into their day to strengthen these skills naturally. Some helpful approaches include: 1. Create Structured Routines Consistent daily routines help children predict what comes next, strengthening organisation as well as emotional regulation. 2. Use Visual Schedules Charts or picture schedules support working memory in children by making expectations visible. 3. Play Memory and Focus Games Try matching card games, Simon Says, puzzles and sequencing games. These support attention, recall and flexible thinking. 4. Encourage Problem-Solving Let children help with cooking steps, packing school bags and planning simple outings. This builds independence and cognitive flexibility in primary education. When there is strong parental engagement, there is a direct impact on executive growth. Discover more on the impact of parental involvement . Classroom Strategies for Teachers Teachers are ideally positioned to reinforce executive skills on a daily basis. Some effective classroom strategies include: 1. Task chunking - Break assignments into smaller steps to reduce cognitive overload. 2. Use of timers and checklists – These are known to improve time awareness and self-regulation skills for students. 3. Positive Reinforcement - Praise effort, strategy and reflection, not just the outcomes. 4. Mindfulness and calm-down techniques - Simple breathing, quiet corners or reflection time can help strengthen emotional control and attention. These strategies are especially valuable in supporting impulse control in classrooms and improving overall learning flow. When to Seek Extra Help If challenges persist despite consistent support, children may benefit from professional assessment. Some signs for parents and educators to watch for include: · Chronic forgetfulness · Extreme impulsivity · Emotional dysregulation · Difficulty following basic routines Educational psychologists or SEN specialists can help identify neurodivergent patterns (such as ADHD) and guide tailored interventions. Early support ensures children build confidence rather than frustration. Encouraging Growth Through Play and Daily Practice Play is one of the most powerful tools for executive development. Activities that build executive function include: · Storytelling and role-play · Group games - Consider turn-taking or rule-based games · Pretend shops or restaurants · Reflection discussions about feelings or decisions These experiences strengthen executive functioning in kids in a natural and pressure-free way. Schools that prioritise early holistic learning , such as in strong preschool systems, give children a strong base for future academic success. Conclusion: Building Brains for Life Executive function skills are not fixed traits. They are trainable abilities that grow through consistent support, practice and patience. From working memory to impulse control, these skills shape how children learn, behave and relate to others. At Makini School we aim to create a supportive environment where our educators can nurture strong thinkers, confident learners and emotionally resilient students, building not just academic success, but lifelong capability. FAQs 1. What are the three main executive function skills in children? Working memory, cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control. 2. How can I tell if my child has weak executive functioning? Frequent forgetfulness, impulsivity, emotional difficulty and poor organisation are common signs. 3. What are fun activities to boost executive function in young children? Memory games, storytelling, puzzles, role-play and routine-based tasks. 4. How do executive function skills affect learning in school? They support focus, task completion, emotional control and classroom behaviour. 5. Can executive function skills be improved over time? Yes. With regular practice and supportive environments, executive skills develop steadily throughout childhood.