Written by Alice Njoki
After finishing KPSEA, learners move to Senior School. This is an important step because you are starting to make choices about what you like, what you are good at, and what you may want to do in the future. To help with these choices, the CBC introduced something called pathways.
Pathways help learners choose subjects that match their interests and strengths. In Senior School, there are three pathways: STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports. In this article, we will talk about the STEM pathway.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This pathway is for learners who enjoy asking questions, solving problems, doing experiments, working with numbers, and using technology. STEM helps learners understand how things work and how they can use knowledge to solve real-life problems.
STEM learning does not start only in Senior School. It begins earlier in Junior Secondary School (Grades 7–9). In JSS, learners study subjects like Integrated Science, Mathematics, Pre-Technical Studies, and Agriculture. These subjects help learners think logically, ask questions, and learn practical skills. They also help learners discover if STEM is the right pathway for them.
When learners join Senior School, there are many subjects under the STEM pathway. However, not all subjects are compulsory. Every learner, no matter the pathway they choose, must study some compulsory subjects. These include languages like English or Kenyan Sign Language and Kiswahili, Community Service Learning, Mathematics, Physical Education, ICT skills, and Religious Education. These subjects help learners communicate well, use technology safely, stay healthy, and learn how to be responsible members of society.
After the compulsory subjects, learners choose elective subjects. Most learners choose two subjects from their main pathway and one from another pathway. For STEM learners, elective subjects may include Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, and technical subjects like Engineering, Electrical Technology, or Aviation.
The STEM pathway can lead to many exciting careers. Learners who choose STEM may grow up to become doctors, engineers, scientists, computer experts, farmers, environmental experts, architects, or builders. These careers help improve lives and support the development of the country.
The STEM pathway is best for learners who enjoy experiments, like solving maths problems, are curious about how things work, enjoy using technology, and want to find solutions to problems. If you enjoy learning by testing ideas and trying new things, STEM may be the right path for you.
STEM helps learners turn curiosity into knowledge and ideas into solutions. It is one of the many ways learners can discover their strengths and build a bright future.