Reported by Ngresangma Martha- 21/03/2024
Big changes are on the horizon for senior high schools (SHSs) as they gear up for the rollout of the Common Core Curriculum. After a successful run at the junior high level, this curriculum promises to bring fresh perspectives and opportunities for students.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has been hard at work, fine-tuning the curriculum based on feedback from trial tests and consultations with educators. Now, with a second trial underway in schools across the country, the stage is set for a full-scale implementation come September.
Director-General of NaCCA, Professor Edward Appiah, shared insights into the preparation process, highlighting the development of teacher manuals and professional learning community (PLC) guides to support educators every step of the way.
Notably, NaCCA has collaborated closely with vice-chancellors to ensure that the curriculum aligns with tertiary education expectations. This means students can expect a smoother transition from high school to university, with flexibility built into the curriculum to accommodate various academic paths.
Unlike the previous program-based approach, the new curriculum focuses on individual subjects, offering students more freedom to explore diverse interests while maintaining a solid academic foundation. This flexibility extends to elective subjects like Computing, Arabic, and French, ensuring that students have options even in schools where certain language teachers might be unavailable.
For junior high students, the curriculum will comprise eight mandatory subjects alongside one or two electives. This inclusive approach aims to equip students with a well-rounded education while allowing them to pursue their passions and interests.
As the education landscape continues to evolve, collaboration with professional bodies such as the Ghana Institution of Engineers and the Medical and Dental Council will be crucial to ensuring that curriculum updates reflect real-world demands and industry standards.
In essence, the Common Core Curriculum represents an exciting step forward in education, promising students a dynamic learning experience that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond. With its emphasis on flexibility, relevance, and inclusivity, this curriculum is poised to shape the future of SHS education in Ghana.
