The Ministry of Education, through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the Ghana Education Service (GES), has launched a new curriculum for Ghana’s senior high schools (SHSs), senior high technical schools (SHTSs), and STEM schools. Starting this month, in the 2024/2025 academic year, the curriculum aims to reshape education by promoting critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Preparation Efforts
Over the past two years, NaCCA has collaborated closely with GES to prepare for the curriculum’s rollout. This extensive process involved more than 300 experts nationwide who contributed to creating a curriculum that reflects the educational needs of Ghana. A key element of preparation was equipping teachers with the skills needed to implement the curriculum, achieved through regular Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions and specially developed teacher manuals.
A Transformative Curriculum
Professor Yayra Dzakadzie, Director-General of NaCCA, described the new curriculum as transformative, emphasizing its focus on preparing students with essential skills for the modern world. “This curriculum goes beyond an update; it’s a significant shift that will shape the next generation of Ghanaian leaders,” he noted. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, the curriculum also seeks to instill shared Ghanaian values, fostering national pride and a sense of responsibility among students.
Curriculum Design and Objectives
The curriculum centers on three main goals: equipping students with 21st-century skills, laying a strong foundation for further education, and preparing students for the workforce. “Ultimately, the curriculum will enable students to lead responsible adult lives, pursue further education, and excel in their careers,” Prof. Dzakadzie added.
Prof. Dzakadzie highlighted the curriculum’s flexibility, allowing students to select subjects aligned with their interests and career aspirations. Additionally, new support programs in Mathematics and English have been introduced to assist students needing extra help in these essential subjects.
Innovative Assessment Approach
The curriculum also brings a significant shift in assessment methods, moving away from traditional exam-focused evaluations toward more holistic approaches that emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Prof. Dzakadzie noted that these new methods are designed to support students’ overall development, aiming to produce well-rounded graduates prepared for modern-day challenges.
“With the curriculum’s comprehensive goals, Ghana’s education system is positioned for transformative change that not only readies students for future demands but also nurtures the values key to national development,” he added.
Background
Just two weeks ago, GES released the academic calendar for the 2024/2025 school year, with first-year SHS students set to begin classes on October 30, 2024. The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), now aligned with the Common Core Curriculum for junior high schools, has paved the way for this new curriculum at the senior high level, ensuring a smooth educational transition across Ghana’s school system.
Sourced by MyABCLive.com from Graphiconline.com
