The upper primary level in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is designed for learners aged between 9 and 11 years. This critical stage, which includes Grades 4 to 6, prepares students for junior secondary education while instilling essential life and academic skills. Learners are introduced to advanced concepts, real-life problem-solving, and practical experiences to ensure they are well-rounded individuals by the time they transition to the next educational level.
At this level, students engage in a wide range of subjects that help shape their academic and social skills. The key subjects taught each week include:
English Language (4 lessons per week): Learners enhance their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language (KSL) (4 lessons per week): Focuses on improving fluency in the national language or learning KSL for those with hearing impairments.
Home Science (3 lessons per week): Practical knowledge on health, nutrition, hygiene, and budgeting is provided.
Agriculture (3 lessons per week): Introduces students to basic farming techniques using tools like pangas, jembes, watering cans, and more.
Science and Technology (4 lessons per week): Learners explore concepts in science, technology, human sexuality, and reproductive health, and use tools such as computers and other digital devices.
Mathematics (5 lessons per week): Students develop numeracy skills crucial for logical reasoning and problem-solving.
Religious Education (3 lessons per week): Learners deepen their understanding of their faith while respecting diverse religious practices.
Creative Arts (3 lessons per week): upils express their creativity through drawing, sculpture, leatherwork, and other artistic endeavors.
Physical and Health Education (5 lessons per week): Promotes fitness, health awareness, and teamwork through physical activities.
Social Studies (3 lessons per week): Students explore Kenyan culture, geography, and history to foster an understanding of their environment.
Learners also select a foreign language such as Arabic, French, German, or Mandarin, which they study for two lessons per week.
To make learning more engaging, upper primary students are introduced to various tools and hands-on activities in subjects like agriculture, creative arts, and home science. This practical approach encourages students to apply what they learn in real-life scenarios. For example:
Agriculture: Students use tools like pangas, jembes, and watering cans to practice farming.
Creative Arts: Pupils work with materials such as beads, leather, and wood to create art projects.
Home Science: Students learn how to prepare meals, maintain hygiene, and manage household tasks.
Integrating Technology into Learning Technology is now a key component of the CBC. In subjects such as science and technology, learners are introduced to basic Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, including data entry and basic computation using digital tools like Microsoft Excel.
Special Needs IntegrationInclusivity is a major aspect of the CBC system. Learners with physical disabilities are integrated into mainstream classes, while those with sight or hearing impairments are taught by Special Needs Education (SNE) teachers. These learners use tools such as braille and Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) for learning, ensuring they receive the same education as their peers.
National Examination: Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
Grade 6 students take part in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), which evaluates their proficiency in core subjects before they transition to junior secondary school. The KPSEA covers four main subjects over three days: • Mathematics • English • Kiswahili • Integrated Science (which includes science, home science, agriculture, and health) The examination is designed to assess each learner’s competency in the skills and knowledge gained throughout their upper primary years. For students with special needs, there are adjustments to the exam duration to ensure they have ample time to complete the tests. For example, learners using braille or large-print materials are given extended time for each test.
Hygiene Products: Handwashing materials and toothbrushes to teach hygiene.
