The Ghanaian government is rolling out comprehensive reforms to the Senior High School (SHS) system with the implementation of a new curriculum set to begin on Monday, November 4. This curriculum overhaul is designed to emphasize character development and holistic education, aiming to produce well-rounded students equipped for the demands of the modern world.
Under the new curriculum, students will be required to take between seven and nine subjects, replacing the previous system. The focus will be on developing 21st-century skills and competencies, incorporating values that shape not only cognitive abilities but also behavioral and social domains. According to Reginald Quartey, the Acting Head of Curriculum Development at the National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA), the curriculum is structured to develop learners who can contribute positively to society.
“This curriculum considers cognitive, behavioral, and social domains, including values,” Quartey explained in an interview with JoyNews. “We wanted to create a curriculum where, over time, the skills and values students acquire can reflect positively in society.”
The restructured curriculum is organized into four subject groups, giving students flexibility in choosing subjects outside their core focus. NaCCA’s Director General, Professor Yayra Dzakadzie, explained the new system using General Science as an example:
- Group A: Core subjects mandatory for all students. For science students, this will include dedicated courses in physics, chemistry, and biology instead of a general science course.
- Group C: Subjects related to specific fields of study, such as additional mathematics, food and nutrition, and electronics. Science students may choose from Group C to broaden their studies.
- Group D: Offers courses outside the core science focus, such as economics, religion, history, and Ghanaian languages, allowing students to explore additional interests. However, students are limited to a maximum of nine subjects overall.
Prof. Dzakadzie emphasized that extensive consultations with stakeholders have taken place to ensure a smooth implementation of the curriculum.
