Transitioning from Junior to Senior School: What Learners and Parents Need to Know
The transition from Grade 9 (junior school) to Grade 10 (senior school) is a crucial step in a learner’s educational journey. Under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), this shift is structured to align with students’ performance, skills, and career aspirations. Ambassador Wambugu wa Kamau, a mentor, life coach, and CBC expert, sheds light on how students are guided through this process.
Understanding the Senior School Transition Process
At the core of this transition is a well-defined categorization framework. The process follows three key steps:
- Performance Assessment
- Formative assessment (40%) – Continuous evaluation throughout the school year.
- Summative assessment (60%) – Final exams that determine overall performance.
- KNEC Questionnaires
- The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) provides questionnaires for learners to assess their interests, competencies, and preferred career paths.
- Special Considerations for Talents and Skills
- Beyond academics, students’ unique skills and talents are considered when assigning them to pathways.
How Career Pathways Are Determined
The above assessments feed into a system that generates career pathways. This process considers:
- Availability of Slots in Senior Schools – Learners are placed based on available spaces in schools.
- Equity and Inclusivity – Ensuring fair opportunities for all students regardless of background.
- Geographical and Regional Balances – Students’ locations are factored into placement decisions.
Why This Transition Matters
The transition to senior school is not just about academic performance; it considers holistic development, ensuring that every learner finds a pathway that best suits their abilities and future aspirations. Through structured assessments and fair placement strategies, CBC aims to create an education system that nurtures talents, enhances inclusivity, and prepares learners for their careers.
Watch the full video featuring Ambassador Wambugu wa Kamau to gain deeper insights into this structured transition and how it shapes the future of learners.
