Grade 8 Notes: All CBC Subjects (Kenya, 2026)

Last reviewed: 31 October 2026

Updated October 2026. Grade 8 notes for all CBC learning areas in Kenya: short, original revision notes on the key topics in English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Agriculture and Nutrition, Pre-Technical Studies, Religious Education (CRE). Each section gives the core idea in plain words with an example, followed by free practice on the Grade 8 CBC Challenge and CBC quizzes. They follow the topics commonly taught in Grade 8 and build toward KJSEA at the end of Grade 9.

What to focus on in Grade 8

Grade 8 carries heavy content in Mathematics and Integrated Science that KJSEA builds on. Make sure your child can do Pythagoras, linear equations and pressure calculations confidently. Practical work in science matters: ask what experiments they did and what they observed. Plan weekly revision and use the holiday to close gaps.

How to use these Grade 8 notes

1. Read one learning area a day.
2. Close the page and say or write the key points from memory.
3. Try ten questions on the Grade 8 challenge and check which topics you missed.

Grade 8 English notes

Reading

Identify the main idea and supporting details.

Grammar

Direct and reported speech: ‘I am tired,’ he said → He said that he was tired.

Writing

Reports and speeches need a clear structure and audience.

Grade 8 Kiswahili notes

Sarufi

Aina za maneno: nomino, vitenzi, vivumishi, viwakilishi.

Ufupisho

Fupisha kwa maneno yako bila kupoteza hoja kuu.

Fasihi

Wahusika na maudhui katika hadithi.

Grade 8 Mathematics notes

Linear equations

Solve and form equations from word problems.

Pythagoras

In a right-angled triangle, a² + b² = c².

Data

Mean, median and mode; drawing pie charts.

Grade 8 Integrated Science notes

Force and pressure

Pressure = force ÷ area; sharp knives cut well because of high pressure.

Acids and bases

Acids turn blue litmus red; bases turn red litmus blue.

Human reproduction and health

Body changes in adolescence and personal hygiene.

Grade 8 Social Studies notes

Resources and trade

Kenya’s trade partners and exports.

Governance

Devolution: national and 47 county governments.

Environment

Causes and effects of climate change.

Grade 8 Agriculture and Nutrition notes

Animal production

Rearing poultry, rabbits and goats.

Soil fertility

Manures and fertilisers.

Food safety

Hygiene in food handling.

Grade 8 Pre-Technical Studies notes

Computing

Parts of a computer and safe use of the internet.

Business basics

Needs and wants, saving and budgeting.

Drawing

Orthographic and isometric basics.

Grade 8 Religious Education (CRE) notes

Old Testament leaders

Joshua, David and Solomon as examples of leadership.

Life of Jesus

Baptism and temptation.

Christian values

Responsibility and care for others.

Grade 8 quick self-test with answers

1. Find the hypotenuse of a right triangle with sides 6 cm and 8 cm.

Answer: 10 cm.

2. What colour does an acid turn blue litmus?

Answer: Red.

3. Calculate pressure when a 100 N force acts on 2 m².

Answer: 50 N/m² (Pa).

4. How many county governments does Kenya have?

Answer: 47.

5. Report: ‘We are late,’ they said.

Answer: They said that they were late.

6. Give one rule for safe internet use.

Answer: Do not share passwords or personal details online.

7. Find the mode of 3, 5, 5, 7.

Answer: 5.

Grade 8 notes term by term

Schools order topics differently, so use these notes alongside your child’s exercise books. Term 1 usually revisits the previous grade and starts the main number and reading topics, Term 2 carries the heaviest content, and Term 3 is for revision and end-of-year assessment. Printed revision papers for this grade are on Grade 8 revision papers.

Get ahead for January

The Ready for Grade 8 in January, KSh 500 course turns these topics into a short daily plan before school opens. See also 2027 reporting dates.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get Grade 8 notes for all subjects?

This page summarises the key topics in every Grade 8 learning area, with links to practice.

Are these Grade 8 notes PDF downloads?

They are web notes you can read on any phone and print from the browser.

Do these notes follow the CBC curriculum?

They cover topics commonly taught in Grade 8 under CBC. They are independent study notes, not official curriculum documents.

How can my child test what they learnt?

Use the free Grade 8 CBC Challenge, then unlock full papers with a pass.

Want marked practice? Try any quiz free, then a Day Pass (KSh 20) or Weekly Pass unlocks full papers with answers. See all passes.

Keep revising with these: AI Starter Holiday Course for Kids (Grades 4–9); Grade 8 Integrated Science Revision Guide: All 8 Sub-Strands; Grade 8 Kiswahili Revision Guide: Sarufi, Insha na Tamthilia; Grade 8 English Revision Guide: Class Reader, Grammar and Writing; Grade 8 Mathematics Revision Guide: Topics, Mistakes and a Study Plan.