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Understanding CBC and IGCSE/A-Level: What Really Happens in Each System

  • abdirizakabukar1
  • Oct 16
  • 2 min read

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Choosing the right education system for a child is one of the biggest decisions a parent can make. In Kenya and many other countries, two popular options are the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the IGCSE/A-Level system. Both aim to prepare learners for success — but they do it in very different ways.


1. What Happens in IGCSE and A-Level

The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and A-Level (Advanced Level) are part of the British education system, offered by Cambridge and other international exam boards. Many private and international schools in Kenya follow this route.

Structure:

  • IGCSE is usually taken between ages 14 to 16 (Years 10–11).

  • Students then move on to A-Level, taken between 17 to 19 years old (Years 12–13).

How Learning Happens:

  • Students choose subjects they are most interested in — for example, English, Mathematics, Biology, or Business Studies.

  • Teaching is subject-based and often involves textbooks, labs, and structured lessons.

  • Assessment is exam-based, with final tests set and marked internationally by Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel.

  • At A-Level, students specialize deeply — usually taking only 3 or 4 subjects.

The Goal of IGCSE/A-Level:

This system focuses on academic mastery and global recognition. It’s widely accepted by universities around the world and prepares learners for higher education both locally and abroad.


2. What Happens in CBC

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is Kenya’s new system of education. It replaced the old 8-4-4 system and focuses more on what learners can do rather than what they can remember.

Structure:

CBC follows the 2-6-3-3-3 format:

  • 2 years in pre-primary (PP1 and PP2)

  • 6 years in primary (Grades 1–6)

  • 3 years in junior secondary (Grades 7–9)

  • 3 years in senior secondary (Grades 10–12)

  • 3 years in tertiary education

How Learning Happens:

  • Learners are encouraged to explore, create, and solve problems.

  • Teachers act more like guides or facilitators rather than lecturers.

  • There’s less focus on exams and more on projects, group work, and assessments done throughout the year.

  • After Grade 9, learners choose a pathway depending on their interests and strengths:

    • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

    • Social Sciences

    • Arts and Sports

The Goal of CBC:

CBC aims to produce competent individuals — people who can think critically, communicate well, use technology, and apply skills in real life.


3. The Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

CBC

IGCSE / A-Level

Focus

Skills, creativity, and application

Academic depth and exam performance

Assessment

Continuous assessment and projects

Final international exams

Teacher’s Role

Guide and facilitator

Instructor and subject expert

Learner’s Role

Active participant

Focused student preparing for exams

Recognition

Local (Kenya)

Global

Pathway Choice

After Grade 9 (CBC)

After IGCSE (Year 11)

4. In Summary

  • CBC nurtures creativity, independence, and life skills. It’s practical and locally relevant.

  • IGCSE/A-Level builds strong academic foundations and opens global opportunities.

Both systems have their strengths — CBC helps learners think and do, while IGCSE/A-Level helps learners master and achieve. The best choice depends on a child’s goals, learning style, and future plans.


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