Curriculum

A New Era in Education

The CBC, developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), replaced the 8-4-4 system in 2017. This new system is designed to better align with global educational trends and address the need for a more competency-based approach to learning, where success is measured by the practical application of knowledge rather than solely by exams.

At St. Antony’s School – Kiambu, we embrace this new curriculum with the goal of helping our students become adaptive, problem-solving individuals ready for the future. Through a strong focus on both academic learning and practical skills, we are preparing our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

To enable every Kenyan to become engaged, empowered, ethical citizen

To enable every Kenyan to become engaged, empowered, ethical citizen

The Values of CBC guide learners on how to behave in a given circumstance, influence their feelings, actions and choices. They include:

  • Love
  • Responsibility
  • Respect
  • Unity
  • Peace
  • Patriotism
  • Integrity

Core Competencies Developed in Students through CBC are:

  • Communication and collaboration
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Imagination and creativity
  • Citizenship
  • Learning to learn
  • Self-efficacy
  • Digital literacy

Holistic Education

At St. Antony’s, we focus on developing students academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they are well-rounded individuals prepared for the future.

Skills for the Modern World

We equip our students with real-world competencies like critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, which are crucial in today’s ever-changing job market.

Diverse Learning Paths

Students at St. Antony’s School have the opportunity to explore their individual strengths and passions, from the arts to the sciences, ensuring they can pursue the career paths that interest them.

Inclusive and Supportive Environment

CBC at St. Antony’s is designed to support students of all abilities, ensuring each learner receives the attention and resources they need to succeed.

The Kenya Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a modern and innovative educational framework designed to foster the holistic development of students. Unlike the traditional 8-4-4 system, which primarily focuses on exams and academic knowledge, the CBC places equal importance on developing skills, values, and competencies.

At St. Antony’s School – Kiambu, we ensure that our students are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped for the challenges of the future.

Holistic Development:

CBC emphasizes producing well-rounded individuals, focusing on not just academic knowledge but also the development of values, attitudes, skills, and competencies.

Practical and Hands-on Learning:

The CBC encourages doing over knowing, which means students engage in hands-on activities, real-world problem-solving, and practical applications of knowledge. This contrasts with the older 8-4-4 system, which was more focused on knowledge retention.

Competency Focus:

Competency refers to the ability to effectively apply knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to perform tasks successfully. This system prepares students for practical challenges they will face in their personal and professional lives.

Future-Oriented Education:

The CBC aims to prepare students for the future, equipping them with the necessary skills and mindset to navigate an ever-changing world.

8-4-4 Curriculum CBC System
Focuses on content Focus on competences
No flexibility Pathways and diverse opportunities
Summative and competitive (high stakes exams) Balance between formative and summative assessment and excellence
Emphasis on schooling Emphasis on education (acquisition of competences)
Teaching(teacher centered) Facilitates learning (learner centered)

The CBC is organized into three main educational stages:

Early Years Education (Pre-Primary & Grades 1-3)

Students develop basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills. At St. Antony’s, we ensure a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Middle School (Grades 4-6)

Students dive deeper into subject-specific learning while continuing to build essential competencies like communication, problem-solving, and creativity.

Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

Here, learners specialize in subjects that match their interests, preparing them for tertiary education or entry into the workforce.

Junior School (JS), which covers Grades 7-9, is a key transition stage for students who complete upper primary and pass the Grade 6 KPSEA assessments. At this level, students continue their education in a primary school setting, but with a focus on preparing them for the next steps in their academic journey.

Our Vision for JS

Our vision is to offer quality, relevant, and inclusive education that helps students grow and prepare for a sustainable future.

Our Mission for JS

We aim to provide the best education and support for every student, promoting learning that is inclusive, relevant, and geared towards sustainable development.

JSS Curriculum

The JS curriculum is designed to give students a wide range of subjects to choose from. It includes:

  • Core subjects and optional subjects.
  • A chance for students to explore their interests and talents.
  • Preparation for choosing their career paths when they move to Senior Secondary School (SSS).

At St. Antony’s, we make sure students have the flexibility to discover what excites them, setting them up for success in the years ahead.

The CBC is organized into three main educational stages:

Early Years Education (Pre-Primary & Grades 1-3)

Students develop basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills. At St. Antony’s, we ensure a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Middle School (Grades 4-6)

Students dive deeper into subject-specific learning while continuing to build essential competencies like communication, problem-solving, and creativity.

Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)

Here, learners specialize in subjects that match their interests, preparing them for tertiary education or entry into the workforce.

At St. Antony’s School – Kiambu, we are excited to embrace the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), a modern approach that goes beyond traditional learning. To make CBC a success, we need to shift our mindset—education is about more than just memorizing facts. It’s about developing the skills and knowledge that can transform students and society as a whole.


Key Focus Areas of CBC at St. Antony’s:

 

  • Hands-on Learning
    Students engage in practical activities that make learning more interactive and meaningful.

  • Problem-Solving
    The curriculum encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for real-life challenges.

  • Critical Thinking
    Students are taught to think independently, analyze situations, and make informed decisions.

  • Creativity
    CBC fosters creativity, allowing students to explore their innovative potential in different subjects.


The Goal of CBC at St. Antony’s School – Kiambu:

 

The CBC system at St. Antony’s is not just about academic excellence. It’s about ensuring our students are well-prepared with life skills that will help them succeed beyond the classroom and in the real world.


Shifting from the Old Way of Teaching

 

The CBC approach requires moving away from traditional methods that focus mainly on memorizing facts. Instead, the CBC encourages:

  • Active Learning
    Students take charge of their learning, becoming more involved and self-directed.

  • Teacher as a Guide
    Teachers act as facilitators, helping students discover and apply knowledge rather than simply delivering it.

As Albert Einstein famously said, “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” This is the philosophy we follow at St. Antony’s.


Preparing for the Future

 

At St. Antony’s School – Kiambu, we believe the CBC is not just about preparing students for exams; it’s about preparing them for life. By fostering these critical skills, we are ensuring our students are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.