Core Math Now Optional for All Grade 10 Students Who Meet Set Standards

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Core Math Now Optional for All Grade 10 Students Who Meet Set Standards

Education experts say Grade 10 students not in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) track can still take Core Mathematics if they meet the required performance standards from their Junior School assessments.

According to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), learners interested in Core Mathematics must have consistently met or exceeded expectations in both primary and junior school evaluations.

Last week, the Ministry of Education released the framework for the next phase of the Competency Based Education (CBE) rollout which is the fourth stage of basic education after Pre-Primary, Primary and Junior School. Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok said non-STEM Grade 10 students can take Core Mathematics if their Junior School assessment results support it.

KICD Director Prof Charles Ong’ondo confirmed that the assessment record from both primary and junior levels will be used to determine eligibility. Learners who have consistently met or exceeded expectations can take Core Mathematics.

Performance Categories
The CBE grading system has four performance categories: Below Expectation, Approaching Expectation, Meeting Expectation, and Exceeding Expectation.

“If a learner has been meeting or exceeding expectations through primary and junior school, they should not be barred from doing Core Math,” Prof Ong’ondo said.

He said students outside the STEM pathway can still excel in math and need it for subjects like Business Studies.

“A student doing Swahili or Business Studies can be good at math and since Business Studies requires it, why prevent them from doing it?” he asked.

Prof Ong’ondo warned against implying that those who skip Core Math are weak in the subject, saying it’s often a career choice.

“We don’t want to stigmatize learners. Avoiding Core Math doesn’t mean one is poor at it—many high achievers simply prefer other fields,” he explained.

However, he said STEM learners must do Core Math as it’s fundamental to all STEM related careers.

Support from School Leaders
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association National Chairman Willie Kuria, who is also Principal of Murang’a High School, praised the new framework as inclusive and responsive to public concerns.

“This allows learners to choose math based on ability. It’s a good decision,” Mr Kuria said.

Kagumo High School Principal and National Schools Forum Chairman Dr Silas Mwirigi said Senior School will now offer Advanced and Ordinary Math. While Advanced Math is required for science focused careers, Ordinary Math is essential for critical thinking and daily life.

“Math is everywhere. Whether in engineering, business or arts, learners need it for problem solving and daily tasks,” he said.

He said national schools are ready to implement the three pathways—STEM, Arts and Sports Science, and Social Sciences—backed by adequate resources and staffing.

Despite the new flexibility, Dr Mwirigi said math should be compulsory in all pathways because of its foundational nature.

The first CBE cohort, currently in Grade 9, will sit for their transition assessments in November. Over 1.2 million learners will join Senior School in January 2026 guided by their career pathways, abilities and interests.

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Core Math Now Optional for All Grade 10 Students Who Meet Set Standards