Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
CBC portfolio assessment is how many Kenyan teachers show progress that a single test cannot capture. A portfolio is a purposeful collection of learner work over time, not a random stack of worksheets. This guide explains what to keep, how to organise it, and how to grade it with the same performance levels used in CBC reporting.
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What a CBC Portfolio Is (and Is Not)
Under competency-based assessment, teachers gather evidence from observation, projects, oral work, practicals and written tasks. KNEC school-based assessment scores feed into the national picture for assessments such as KPSEA and KJSEA, as outlined on the Kenya National Examinations Council site. Portfolios help you justify the levels you enter for school-based work.
A portfolio is not every page the learner ever wrote. It is a curated set that shows growth: early attempt, improved draft, final piece, plus a short reflection. Physical files, manila folders or simple digital folders (one per learner) all work if dated and labelled.
What to Keep in a Learner Portfolio
- Two to four strong pieces per learning area per term (quality over quantity).
- At least one draft and one improved version for writing or project work.
- Photos of practicals or models when the product cannot stay in a file (label with date and outcome).
- Short learner reflection: “What I did well / What I will improve.”
- Teacher comment linked to a rubric level (EE, ME, AE, BE).
- Occasional peer feedback on collaborative tasks.
Avoid stuffing the file with unmarked homework. Every piece should connect to a stated learning outcome from the KICD curriculum design for that grade.
How to Grade a Portfolio Fairly
Use a simple portfolio rubric with three criteria, for example:
- Evidence of skill: Does the work show the outcome?
- Progress: Is there clear improvement from earlier work?
- Reflection: Can the learner explain what changed?
Describe Meeting Expectations first, then Exceeding, Approaching and Below, the same way as in our CBC assessment rubric guide. Grade the collection against the rubric, not against other learners’ neatness. For large classes, sample deeply: full portfolio conference with eight learners a week on rotation, quick checklist for the rest.
Term Checklist for Teachers
- Week 1: Issue folders; teach learners how to file and date work.
- Weeks 2–8: Add one piece every fortnight; mark with level and one next step.
- Mid-term: Five-minute portfolio talk with each learner (or small groups).
- Before reports: Confirm each report level has at least one portfolio piece behind it.
- TPAD: Keep sample portfolios (with consent) as evidence of assessment practice for your TPAD evidence checklist.
Tips for Parents
Ask to see the folder on visiting day. Look for comments that say what to practise next, not only a level letter. At home, keep a thin envelope of “best work” for the term so school and home stories match. Free practice that builds evidence for maths, science and languages is available on the CBC Challenge and revision papers pages.
Teachers can speed comments with the CBC report card maker and find more classroom tools under Teacher Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pieces should a CBC portfolio contain?
Enough to show progress in each major learning area—typically a few well-chosen pieces per term, not dozens of unmarked sheets.
Can portfolios be digital?
Yes, if your school allows phones or computers. Use clear file names (Grade7_Science_LabSafety_2026-03-12) and back up copies.
Do portfolio scores replace exams?
No. They support continuous assessment and help explain school-based scores. National assessments still follow KNEC rules for each grade.
How do I grade portfolios in a class of 60?
Use sampling, group conferences and a three-criterion rubric. Rotate which learners get a deep review each week so everyone is seen across the term.
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