A guide to subject selection for Kenya Senior School

Description

Activity 1: The meaning of ‘core’ and ‘optional’ subjects

A core subject is a subject that every student has to take. Core subjects are also called ‘compulsory’, or ‘mandatory’ subjects. They are a must for completing a program. You cannot skip them. Core subjects cover the basic knowledge that is required for the area of study. They help to build a strong foundation for future learning and career opportunities.  

Optional subjects are also called ‘choice’, or ‘elective’ subjects. These are subjects that students can choose to take based on what they like or want to learn about, and not because they have to. They can be different for each student.

Activity 2: Core subjects in Senior School   

In Senior School, all students are required to take the following four core subjects, regardless of their chosen pathway:

• Physical Education  
• English
• Kiswahili / Kenya Sign Language (KSL)
• Community Service Learning (CSL)

Activity 3: Optional subjects in Senior School   

In addition to the core subjects, students will choose three optional subjects from the available options within their selected pathway. 

The following are the optional subjects available under the various career pathways:

1. Arts and Sports Science
   • Sports and Recreation
   • Music and Dance
   • Theatre and Film
   • Fine Arts.

2. Social Sciences Pathway
   • Literature in English
   • Indigenous Languages
   • Fasihi ya Kiswahili
   • Sign Language
   • Arabic
   • French
   • German
   • Mandarin
   • Christian Religious Education
   • Islamic Religious Education
   • Hindu Religious Education
   • Business Studies
   • History and citizenship
   • Geography.

3. Science Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Pathway
   • Mathematics
   • Biology
   • Chemistry
   • Physics
   • General Science
   • Agriculture
   • Computer Studies
   • Home Science
   • Aviation
   • Building Construction
   • Electricity
   • Metal Work
   • Power Mechanics
   • Wood Work
   • Media Technology
   • Marine and Fisheries Technology.

Activity 4: Confirm your subject choices

1. Check the list of subjects you picked at the end of Lesson 19 to make sure that:
   • You have not mixed subjects from different career pathways.
   • You have the right number of optional subjects.
   • The subjects fit with your career interests from your self-assessment.

2. Add the core subjects for your area of interest to your list to see all the subjects you will have in Senior school.
3. Make any necessary changes.
4. Use your final list of subjects to make your action plan.

Remember: Before you officially complete the national questionnaire, keep checking your list to make sure that it still matches what you want. Update it if your interests change.

Great job! You are now ready to start making your action plan!