How Senior Secondary Is Structured
Kenya's CBC Grade 10–12 follows a clear, nationally defined structure balancing compulsory core subjects with pathway-specific electives.
Core Subjects — All Pathways
Every Grade 10–12 learner takes these four compulsory subjects regardless of their chosen pathway, plus PE (3 lessons/week) and integrated ICT across all subjects.
English
Advanced reading, academic writing, literature analysis, oral communication, and media literacy — applicable to every career pathway.
Kiswahili / Kenya Sign Language
Advanced Kiswahili literary and functional use, or Kenya Sign Language for learners in inclusive settings. National language competence.
Mathematics (Core or Essential)
Core Mathematics for STEM-bound learners covering calculus, vectors and complex statistics. Essential Mathematics for Social Sciences and Arts pathways — applied, real-world focus.
Community Service Learning (CSL)
A unique CBC subject where learners engage with their community through structured service projects — developing citizenship, leadership, and values.
Choose Your Senior Secondary Pathway
Select a pathway below to explore all available elective subjects, recommended combinations, and the careers each pathway leads to.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
The most comprehensive pathway for learners targeting medicine, engineering, computer science, agriculture, aviation, and other science-based careers. Choose any 3 electives from the list below alongside your 4 core subjects.
English
Core subject — all pathways
CoreKiswahili / KSL
Core subject — all pathways
CoreCore Mathematics
Calculus, vectors, advanced stats
CoreCommunity Service Learning
Civic leadership & service projects
CoreBiology
Cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, human physiology
ElectiveChemistry
Organic chemistry, electrochemistry, industrial chemistry, reaction kinetics
ElectivePhysics
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum basics, optics
ElectiveAgriculture
Crop science, soil chemistry, animal husbandry, agribusiness, irrigation
ElectiveComputer Studies
Programming, systems analysis, networking, AI, database administration
ElectiveHome Science
Nutrition, textile science, child development, interior design, food tech
ElectiveDrawing & Design
Technical and engineering drawing, CAD, product design, architecture
ElectiveAviation Technology
Aeronautics, meteorology, flight systems, aviation law, navigation
ElectiveBuilding Technology
Construction materials, structural engineering, quantity surveying, plans
ElectiveElectrical Technology
Circuits, motors, power systems, electronics, domestic installation
ElectiveMetal Technology
Machining, welding, fabrication, metallurgy, workshop practice
ElectivePower Mechanics
Internal combustion, vehicle systems, machine maintenance, hydraulics
ElectiveWood Technology
Carpentry, cabinet making, furniture design, wood properties, finishing
ElectiveEnglish
Core subject — all pathways
CoreKiswahili / KSL
Core subject — all pathways
CoreEssential Mathematics
Applied, statistical & business maths
CoreCommunity Service Learning
Civic leadership & service projects
CoreArts & Sports Science Pathway
For creatively gifted and athletically talented learners targeting careers in professional sport, music, film, fine arts, fashion, and performing arts. Combines core academic rigour with professional creative training.
English
Core subject — all pathways
CoreKiswahili / KSL
Core subject — all pathways
CoreEssential Mathematics
Applied maths for creative and sports contexts
CoreCommunity Service Learning
Civic leadership & community arts projects
CoreSports & Recreation
Sports science, kinesiology, coaching, sports management, fitness training
ElectiveMusic & Dance
Music theory, composition, performance, choreography and African dance traditions
ElectiveTheatre & Film
Scriptwriting, directing, acting, film production, set design, media arts
ElectiveFine Arts
Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital art, visual communication
ElectiveHow Learners Are Assessed
CBC Senior Secondary uses a dual assessment approach combining ongoing school-based assessment with final KNEC examinations.
Foundation Year
Establishing pathway knowledge, developing research skills, and building the foundation for specialised study.
Development Year
Deepening subject mastery, completing major research projects, and beginning KNEC mock preparation.
Examination Year
Culmination of three years of Senior Secondary — final national assessments by KNEC determining university and college placement.
Grade 10 → Grade 12 Progression
Three focused years taking learners from pathway entry to national examination readiness and university placement.
Entering Senior Secondary — Pathway Establishment
The first year of Senior Secondary is about establishing a strong foundation in all 7 subjects. Learners confirm their pathway choice (based on KJSEA results from Grade 9), meet their specialist teachers, and build the habits of independent study and research essential for the next three years.
Subject Mastery — Research & Application
The most intensive academic year. Learners complete major research projects, conduct practicals, sit their first KNEC mock assessments, and begin university/college application planning. STEM learners tackle advanced calculus, organic chemistry and coding projects. Social Sciences learners complete extended essays and fieldwork.
National Examinations — University & Career Readiness
The final year is dedicated to examination preparation, SBA portfolio completion, and sitting the KNEC national examinations. Grade 12 results determine placement into universities, technical colleges, and professional training programmes across Kenya and internationally.
Career Pathways After Grade 12
CBC Senior Secondary is designed for career readiness. Here are some of the careers and university courses each pathway leads to.
Medicine & Health Sciences
Biology + Chemistry + Physics electives
Software Engineering
Computer Studies + Mathematics + Physics
Civil & Structural Engineering
Building Tech + Physics + Drawing & Design
Aviation & Aerospace
Aviation Tech + Physics + Mathematics
Film & Media Production
Theatre & Film + Fine Arts + English
Sports Science & Coaching
Sports & Recreation + Biology (core)
Performing Arts & Music
Music & Dance + Theatre + Fine Arts
Skills Developed Across Grade 10–12
CBC Senior Secondary builds deep academic competencies alongside career-ready skills and values.
STEM Competencies
Social Science Skills
Arts & Sports Competencies
How We Support Grade 10–12 Learners
Senior Secondary demands university-level rigour. Our tutors provide specialist, examination-focused support across all three pathways.
Pathway-Specialist Tutors
Every Senior Secondary tutor holds at minimum a degree in their subject area and is trained in CBC SSS pedagogy. STEM tutors are scientists and engineers; Social Science tutors are graduates in their respective fields.
KNEC Exam Preparation
From Grade 11, every session integrates past-paper practice, timed assessments, and structured revision aligned to the KNEC examination framework for each subject.
SBA Portfolio Coaching
School-Based Assessments contribute 30% of the final Grade 12 score. We guide learners through every portfolio requirement — planning, research, drafting, and presentation.
University Application Support
Grade 12 learners on our Excellence plan receive guidance on KUCCPS university applications, course selection, personal statement writing, and scholarship opportunities.
Personalised Study Schedules
Each learner receives a custom term-long revision schedule designed around their school timetable, examination dates, and specific weak areas identified in diagnostic tests.
Progress & Performance Dashboard
Learners and parents access real-time subject performance data, session attendance, mock exam scores, and tutor feedback — always updated after every session.
Suggested Weekly Study Schedule
A sample schedule for a Grade 11 STEM learner (Biology + Chemistry + Computer Studies). Fully customisable per pathway and grade.
Senior Secondary Specialist Tutors
All our Grade 10–12 tutors hold degrees in their subject areas and are experienced in KNEC examination preparation and CBC Senior Secondary assessment.
Choose Your Plan
Flexible month-to-month plans for Grade 10–12 learners. All plans include CBC Senior Secondary aligned materials and weekly progress reports.
Free Senior Secondary Study Materials
Download these free CBC-aligned resources for Grade 10–12 learners — no sign-up required.
STEM Pathway Guide
Complete subject combinations, career pathways, and elective recommendations for STEM learners.
Social Sciences Pathway Guide
All elective subjects, subject combinations, career options, and university courses for Social Sciences.
Arts & Sports Pathway Guide
Elective combinations, performance assessment tips, and career pathways for Arts & Sports learners.
SBA Portfolio Template Pack
Official CBC SBA portfolio templates for all subjects — Grade 10, 11 and 12 formats included.
What Our Learners Say
"I was confused about the STEM pathway when I first joined Grade 10. My Ameisen Academy Chemistry tutor made everything click. I scored an A in my first end-of-year exam and now I'm confident about Medicine at university."
"The SBA portfolio coaching was a game-changer. I had no idea where to start with my History extended essay. My tutor guided me through every step. That essay got me full marks in the SBA component."
"My daughter is on the Arts pathway and we couldn't find tutors who understood it anywhere. Ameisen Academy had a Theatre & Film specialist who has been exceptional. She's now got a place at KNATCOM arts college."
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Pathway to University Starts Here 🎓
Join 1,200+ learners on Kenya's new Senior Secondary CBC with Ameisen Academy — specialist tutors, SBA coaching, and KNEC exam preparation across all three pathways.