Ministry Of Education Has Released All Subject Combination For Grade 10, Deadline And How To Choose

Over the next 21 days, a critical exercise will take place in Kenyan schools across the country as over 1.2 million Grade 9 students begin the official process of selecting their career pathways ahead of their transition to Senior School, slated for next year.

This marks a significant milestone under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), as these students will be the very first cohort to progress through the newly structured senior secondary phase of education.

The transition to Senior School, an integral feature of the CBC, will see learners diverge into three broad career pathways: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Arts & Sports, and Social Sciences.

While the curriculum allows students to specialise based on their talents and aspirations, core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, and community service will remain mandatory across all pathways to ensure foundational competencies are retained.

To help guide this major academic decision, the Ministry of Education has released a comprehensive guide detailing the subject combinations available under each of the five major streams now defined within the CBC structure. These streams include:

STEM – Applied Sciences

STEM – Pure Sciences

STEM – Technical Studies

Arts & Sports

Social Sciences

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1. Arts & Sports Pathway

This stream is designed for students with interests and talents in the creative and performing arts, as well as sports. It allows specialisation in several key areas:

Theatre, Film, and Fine Arts

Students focusing on this area may select from a wide array of complementary subjects, including Arabic, Biology, Business Studies, Computer Studies, CRE/IRE/HRE, Fasihi ya Kiswahili, French, General Science, Geography, German, History & Citizenship, Literature in English, Mandarin, Advanced Mathematics, or Sports & Recreation.

Music & Dance and Fine Arts: Learners in this specialisation may also take any of the subjects listed above, creating room for interdisciplinary artistic development.

Theatre & Film, Music & Dance: This unique blend encourages students to engage in multiple performance arts while complementing their studies with subjects ranging from languages and sciences to humanities.

Sports & Recreation: For students passionate about physical education and sport sciences, this focus area offers additional subject choices including Media Technology.

2. Social Sciences Pathway

This track suits learners inclined towards business, languages, humanities, and social development. It provides multiple combinations, allowing for both depth and breadth in study:

Business Studies and History & Citizenship: Additional subjects include Arabic, Computer Studies, CRE/IRE/HRE, languages, and Mathematics.

CRE/IRE/HRE and Business Studies: Students may combine religious education with business acumen and supplement with language and science subjects.

CRE/IRE/HRE and Geography: This offers a blend of faith-based education with environmental and spatial knowledge.

History & Citizenship and Geography: A pathway focused on understanding society, governance, and space, with flexibility in subject additions.

Languages & Literature Focus (Arabic, French): This route supports language mastery with optional add-ons in sciences, history, and humanities.

Fasihi ya Kiswahili and Sign Language: Promotes linguistic diversity and inclusivity, supporting broader communication skills.

Indigenous Language and Literature in English: This fusion supports cultural heritage and global literacy, with subject additions across the academic spectrum.

3. STEM – Applied Sciences Pathway

This pathway is tailored to students with interest in the application of science in real-world settings:

Agriculture and Business Studies: Students can expand their studies to include Aviation, Marine & Fisheries, Electricity, and more.

Agriculture and Computer Studies: A modern approach to tech-based farming, complemented by sciences and engineering-based electives.

Agriculture and Geography: Supports environmental and sustainable practices in farming, with additional science and tech options.

4. STEM – Pure Sciences Pathway

Ideal for academically inclined students seeking rigorous scientific training:

Advanced Mathematics and Biology: Students can explore complementary disciplines like Chemistry, Physics, Aviation, and Engineering.

Biology and Chemistry: A classic preparatory path for careers in medicine, pharmacology, and biotechnology.

Chemistry and Physics: Equips learners with a strong foundation for engineering, innovation, and scientific research.

5. STEM – Technical Studies Pathway

This stream focuses on vocational and technical skills for learners aiming for careers in trades or applied technologies:

Aviation and Business Studies: Combines technical training with entrepreneurial skills, with further studies in sciences and media.

Building Construction and Business Studies: Prepares students for construction management, architecture, and related fields.

Electricity and General Science: Emphasises electrical engineering fundamentals, with add-ons including Computer Studies and Advanced Mathematics.

The Ministry of Education has placed significant emphasis on the collaborative nature of this process. Schools, teachers, and parents are expected to actively participate in guiding learners through self-assessment, talent identification, and academic advising to ensure choices align with students’ strengths and future career aspirations.

Dr. Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, has underscored the importance of this selection window, urging stakeholders to support students through this landmark process. The deadline for finalising subject and pathway selections has been set for June 30, after which placement into Senior Schools will begin based on the selected combinations and availability of resources.

The Competency-Based Curriculum aims to shift Kenya’s education system away from a one-size-fits-all model, instead fostering personal growth, relevant skills acquisition, and preparation for real-world opportunities. As the 21-day selection period unfolds, the hope is that every Grade 9 student will make an informed and inspired choice—one that lays the foundation for their future success.

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