SHS Science Students to Skip Core Maths and Integrated Science in Curriculum Overhaul — NaCCA

The National Council and Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has announced changes to the curriculum for senior high school (SHS) students, particularly those in the Science stream. Effective from the 2024/2025 academic year, SHS Science students will no longer be required to study Core and Elective Mathematics as separate examinable subjects. Instead, they will undertake Additional Mathematics, as hinted by NaCCA’s Director-General, Professor Edward Appiah.

Furthermore, these Science students will no longer pursue Integrated Science, as they are already immersed in Pure Science studies. Professor Appiah clarified that students in other streams, such as General Arts, Business, Home Economics, and Visual Arts, would still study Integrated Science, which will transform into General Science. Additionally, Modern Mathematics will replace Core Mathematics in these streams.

These changes come as part of the broader implementation of standard-based and common core curricula across pre-tertiary education in Ghana. The Ministry of Education has revised curricula to emphasize critical learning skills over rote memorization.

The inaugural common core Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is slated for current final-year Junior High School (JHS) students. These students have been following the common core curriculum since JHS One, with their BECE aligned accordingly.

NaCCA has conducted trial tests of the common core curriculum for SHS students, set to commence in the 2024/2025 academic year. This trial involved categorizing the country into three zones, selecting schools from each category for testing, and gathering feedback for final adjustments. Thirty-one schools across Ghana will participate in the final trial, expected to conclude in July, preceding the September academic year start.

Professor Appiah emphasized a shift in assessment methodology, moving away from end-of-year exams toward continuous evaluation through classroom exercises and project work. This multifaceted assessment approach aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of student progress and learning outcomes.

The transition to the common core curriculum signifies a pivotal moment in Ghana’s education system, prioritizing holistic learning experiences and adaptive assessment methods to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.