📝 Resource

CBC Lesson Plans for Kenyan Schools

A practical guide to writing effective CBC lesson plans for all subjects and grades. Aligned to KICD's Competency Based Curriculum framework for primary and junior secondary schools in Kenya.

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What is a CBC Lesson Plan?
Planning Every Lesson Around Competency and Outcome
A CBC lesson plan is a structured document that guides a teacher through one lesson period. Unlike the old 8-4-4 content-based lesson plans, CBC lesson plans are built around competency development — what the learner will be able to do, not just know. Each lesson plan is derived from the scheme of work and includes the specific strand, sub-strand, learning outcomes, key inquiry questions, learning experiences, resources, assessment and values to be cultivated. SmartGrade's exam analysis helps teachers evaluate whether their lesson plans are producing the desired learning outcomes.
40min
Typical Lesson Period
CBC
Curriculum Framework
7
Core Competencies
G1–9
Grades Covered
Structure of a CBC Lesson Plan in Kenya
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Lesson Details
School, class, subject, date, time, roll (number of learners), strand, sub-strand.
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Specific Learning Outcomes
What learners will be able to do by end of lesson — written as observable, measurable verbs.
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Key Inquiry Question
An open-ended question that sparks curiosity and guides the lesson's competency focus.
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Learning Resources
Textbooks, charts, realia, digital tools — everything the teacher and learners will use.
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Learning Experiences
Step-by-step activities: introduction (5min), lesson development (25min), lesson conclusion (10min).
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Assessment
Oral questions, observation checklist, written exercise — how the teacher will know learners achieved the outcome.
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CBC's 7 Core Competencies to Embed in Every Lesson

KICD's CBC framework is built around 7 core competencies: Communication and Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Creativity and Imagination, Citizenship, Digital Literacy, Learning to Learn, and Self-Efficacy. Every lesson plan should identify which competencies are being developed.

Frequently Asked Questions
CBC Lesson Plans — Common Questions
What is the difference between a CBC lesson plan and a scheme of work?+
A scheme of work is a term-long plan mapping all lessons across the term. A lesson plan is a detailed plan for a single lesson period. Every lesson in the scheme of work has a corresponding lesson plan.
How long should a CBC lesson plan be?+
A standard CBC lesson plan is 1–2 pages covering all required components. It should be detailed enough for another teacher to deliver the lesson effectively.
Do TSC teachers need to submit lesson plans?+
Yes. Teachers are expected to have lesson plans prepared before each lesson. During school inspection by TSC or QASO, lesson plans and schemes of work are reviewed as part of teacher evaluation.
How does SmartGrade relate to lesson planning?+
SmartGrade's exam analysis gives teachers data on learner performance per subject. This evidence informs lesson planning for the next term — identifying where learners need more targeted support and which lesson approaches are working.

Use Exam Data to Improve Your Lesson Plans

SmartGrade gives teachers the performance data they need to plan targeted, effective CBC lessons each term.

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