The implementation of the Common Core Curriculum in Senior High Schools (SHSs) is on the verge of commencement, following its successful application at the Junior High level three years prior.
The first cohort of students under this system is poised to undertake the inaugural Common Core-based examination this year.
The readiness for this transition comes after the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) conducted trial tests during the curriculum’s development phase, incorporating valuable feedback to refine it.
Currently, a second trial test is underway in 31 schools nationwide.
The Director-General of NaCCA, Professor Edward Appiah, revealed in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra that these trial tests, conducted every two weeks, will persist until August, with the academic year slated to commence in September. Notably, all 38 subjects, including STEM subjects, are being trialed.
“The trial tests, which are done every two weeks, will continue until August, and the academic year will come alive in September.
“We are doing the trial test in all the 38 subjects, including the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects,” the Director-General of NaCCA, Professor Edward Appiah, said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic in Accra last Friday.
To ensure alignment with tertiary institution expectations, NaCCA engaged vice-chancellors extensively throughout the curriculum’s development. Professor Appiah highlighted the receptiveness of vice-chancellors to the new curriculum, expressing their excitement despite providing valuable suggestions for consideration.
Moreover, NaCCA has developed teacher manuals and professional learning community (PLC) manuals to guide educators on the curriculum’s implementation effectively.
The new curriculum, grounded in subject-based learning, offers greater flexibility compared to previous program-based approaches. This flexibility addresses concerns raised by stakeholders, particularly universities, regarding students’ preparedness for diverse academic paths.
Although students are mandated to write examinations in eight core subjects, they have the flexibility to select one or two elective subjects from a range of options.
This approach ensures students’ exposure to a broad spectrum of knowledge areas, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
Ultimately, NaCCA remains committed to ongoing engagement with professional bodies to ensure the curriculum’s continued alignment with evolving educational needs and standards.