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As learners transition into Senior School CBE, subject selection becomes more structured and career-oriented. At this stage, learners are exposed to a wide range of disciplines designed to nurture talent, build competence, and align education with real-world pathways.
Senior School subjects are grouped into four broad categories, each serving a distinct purpose in shaping a learner’s academic and career journey.
1. Core Subjects
These are compulsory subjects taken by all learners, regardless of their chosen pathway. They focus on communication, numeracy, and community values.
Core Subjects include:
- English
- Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language (KSL)
- Core Mathematics or Essential Mathematics
- Community Service Learning (CSL)
Read: How Subject Combination Order Will Determine Your Child’s Career in CBE
These subjects ensure that every learner develops:
Strong language and communication skills
Foundational mathematical reasoning
Social responsibility and citizenship values
2. Arts and Sports Science
This category nurtures creativity, talent, and physical development. It is ideal for learners gifted in performance, visual arts, and sports-related disciplines.
Arts and Sports Science Subjects include:
- Sports and Recreation
- Music and Dance
- Theatre and Film
- Fine Arts
These subjects open pathways into:
- Creative and performing arts
- Sports science and sports management
- Media and entertainment industries
3. Social Sciences
Social Sciences focus on human society, culture, governance, language, religion, and commerce. They help learners understand the world, history, and social systems.
- Social Sciences Subjects include:
- Literature in English
- Indigenous Languages
- Fasihi ya Kiswahili
- Sign Language
- Arabic
- French
- German
- Mandarin Chinese
- Christian Religious Education
- Islamic Religious Education
- Hindu Religious Education
- Business Studies
- History and Citizenship
- Geography
These subjects support career paths in:
- Education and teaching
- Law, diplomacy, and international relations
- Business, entrepreneurship, and public service
- Theology and social development
4. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
STEM subjects form the backbone of scientific, technical, and industrial careers. They emphasize innovation, problem-solving, and practical skills.
STEM Subjects include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Science
- Agriculture
- Computer Studies
- Home Science
- Aviation
- Building Construction
- Electricity
- Metalwork
- Power Mechanics
- Wood Technology
- Media Technology
- Marine and Fisheries Technology
STEM subjects prepare learners for careers in:
- Medicine and health sciences
- Engineering and technology
- Agriculture and environmental sciences
- ICT, aviation, and technical trades

Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.