Term 1 is over. Your child has brought home their report card. But CBC (now CBE) reports look very different from the old 8-4-4 percentage scores — instead of seeing "Mathematics: 72%", you now see competency levels like ME (Meeting Expectations) or AE (Approaching Expectations).
If you are confused about what these levels mean and what to do about them, this guide is for you.
Understanding the CBC (now CBE) Report Card
Under Competency-Based Assessment (CBA), your child is assessed on a 4-level scale for each learning area:
| Level | Meaning | What It Tells You |
|---|---|---|
| EE — Exceeding Expectations | Exceptional performance | Your child understands deeply and can apply knowledge in new situations. Celebrate this! |
| ME — Meeting Expectations | Solid performance | Your child understands the content and meets all learning outcomes. This is the target level. |
| AE — Approaching Expectations | Partial understanding | Your child is getting there but needs more practice. Focus revision here. |
| BE — Below Expectations | Needs significant support | Your child is struggling with this subject. Urgent intervention needed during the holiday. |
Step-by-Step: What to Do Now
Step 1: Identify the AE and BE Subjects
Look at your child's report. Circle every subject marked AE or BE. These are the priority subjects for holiday revision. Do not panic — AE and BE do not mean your child is failing. They mean they need more time and practice with this content.
Step 2: Talk to Your Child
Ask them: "Which subject felt hardest this term?" and "Which topics confused you?". Children often know exactly where they are stuck — they just need someone to ask and listen.
Step 3: Get the Right Revision Materials
Revision works best when your child has structured materials to follow — not just re-reading a textbook. Effective revision materials include:
- Practice exam papers (with marking schemes so they can check their own answers)
- Topic-by-topic notes (targeted to what they found hard)
- Homework sheets with self-assessment checklists
Holiday Revision Packs — KSH 40 per grade (all subjects, answer keys) →
Individual subject notes and exams — KSH 100 each →
Step 4: Create a Simple Holiday Revision Plan
You do not need a complicated timetable. Just follow this formula:
The 2-1-1 Formula
- 2 subjects per day (1 hour each — morning and afternoon)
- 1 practice paper per week (do it under timed conditions)
- 1 rest day per week (children need breaks to consolidate learning)
Prioritise AE and BE subjects on Monday–Thursday. Use Friday for ME subjects that need maintenance. Weekend = rest.
Step 5: Track Improvement
At the end of the holiday, have your child redo the same Term 1 exam (if you have it) or do a practice paper from the holiday revision pack. Compare the score with their Term 1 result. Improvement — even small — builds confidence for Term 2.
What NOT to Do
- Do not punish a BE result. Punishment makes children fear subjects rather than wanting to learn them.
- Do not compare with other children. CBC (now CBE) is about individual competency growth, not ranking.
- Do not overload the holiday. Revision is important but rest and play are equally important for mental health.
- Do not ignore the report. The worst thing is to put the report card in a drawer and forget about it until Term 2 starts.
Free Resources to Help
Not everything costs money. Here are free things you can do:
- Watch free CBC (now CBE) tutorial videos on our YouTube channel (@CBCEduKenya)
- Download free ministry guidelines from our Ministry Guidelines page
- Read our blog articles for subject-specific tips
Start Holiday Revision Today
All subjects · All grades · Answer keys included · KSH 40
Download Holiday Revision Pack →Frequently Asked Questions
What does AE (Approaching Expectations) mean on a CBC (now CBE) report card?
AE means your child understands some of the learning outcomes but not all. They need more practice and support to fully meet the expected competency level. It is not a failing grade — it is a signal that targeted revision will help.
How is the CBC (now CBE) report card different from the old system?
The old 8-4-4 system used percentage scores and ranks (1st, 2nd, 3rd in class). CBC (now CBE) uses competency levels (BE, AE, ME, EE) that show what a child can do, not how they compare to others. There is no class ranking in CBC (now CBE).
My child got BE in Mathematics. What should I do?
First, talk to the mathematics teacher to identify the specific strands where your child is struggling. Then focus holiday revision specifically on those strands. Use practice papers with marking schemes to build confidence. Consider 1-on-1 tutoring if the gap is wide. CBC Edu Kenya has Grade-specific Mathematics notes and revision papers that can help.