The Ministry of Education, through the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the Ghana Education Service (GES), has announced its readiness to introduce a new secondary education curriculum.
It will cover Senior High Schools (SHS), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs nationwide, starting in November.
For the past two years, NaCCA has collaborated with GES on this curriculum, drawing on extensive planning and consultations with various stakeholders.
This collaborative process included input from over 300 experts across Ghana, creating a comprehensive curriculum designed to reshape the educational landscape.
Teacher preparation has been central to the curriculum’s development, with ongoing Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions held weekly to equip teachers with the skills needed for effective implementation.
To support educators further, the Ministry of Education, alongside subject-specific associations, has developed teacher manuals tailored to the new curriculum, ensuring they have the resources necessary to guide students effectively.
The new curriculum is built around three main outcomes: equipping students with essential 21st-century skills to navigate modern challenges, providing a strong academic foundation for further education, and preparing learners for the workforce with the competencies and character qualities essential for professional success and societal contributions.
Through this curriculum, students will be prepared to lead responsible lives, pursue higher education, and confidently enter the job market.
A distinctive feature of the new curriculum is its focus on shared Ghanaian values.
It seeks to foster a sense of pride and responsibility in learners, encouraging an appreciation for Ghana’s cultural heritage.
The curriculum also includes flexible learning pathways, enabling students to select subjects that align with their interests and career aspirations.
Additionally, intervention programs in mathematics and English will support students needing extra assistance in these core subjects.
The new assessment methods also focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Speaking on the new curriculum, Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie, Director-General of NaCCA, stated, “This curriculum is designed to be transformative, shaping the next generation of Ghanaian leaders.
“It’s more than an update; it’s a groundbreaking shift toward equipping learners with essential skills for success in today’s fast-paced world. At its core, the curriculum is committed to nurturing critical thinking, fostering creativity, and honing problem-solving abilities.”
He noted that this is Ghana’s first SHS curriculum to emphasize shared Ghanaian values, aiming to inspire pride in the nation and a dedication to its growth and development.
The curriculum implementation will begin with the 2024/2025 academic year, marking a new chapter for education.
Source: Adomonline