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Tag: OWASS

  • Education Minister announces OWASS as Ghana’s soon-to-be first SMART School

    Education Minister announces OWASS as Ghana’s soon-to-be first SMART School

    Opoku Ware Senior High School (OWASS) in Kumasi is set to become Ghana’s first SMART School, under the government’s SMART School project, which aims to revolutionize education in 30 Senior High Schools across the country.

    This was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, during a surprise visit to the school on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

    According to Dr. Adutwum, the project will commence in two weeks’ time, with the Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, handing over tablets to the students.

    Additionally, SMART boards will be installed in ten classes, marking the beginning of the SMART Project.

    Dr. Adutwum explained that the SMART School initiative is a significant step by the President Nana Akufo Addo-led government towards advancing e-learning and digitalization within the country’s education space.

    Under this project, comprehensive teaching and learning management systems, along with digital educational content, will be provided to senior high and technical vocational education and training (TVET) institutions nationwide.

    “So very soon, when this school is fully converted into a SMART School, your home assignments, class tests, exams, marking, grading will be done online, and you will get your results instantaneously,” Dr. Adutwum said.

    Other schools are going to be working with you. Some schools will log into your system and take advantage of your system to learn. They can log into your chemistry class and take part in it’’.

    The Minister also revealed that “the government plans to build more virtual learning High Schools in the country, where students can register and pursue online courses.

    He highlighted the progress made in the education sector since the implementation of the Free SHS policy, which has led to a remarkable increase in student intake in Senior High Schools, including a significant increment in the number of girls at the secondary level.

    “National student population at the Senior High School, before the introduction of Free SHS policy, stood a little above eight hundred thousand (800,000), but the figure currently stands at one million, four hundred thousand (1.4 million), Dr. Adutwum said.

    He added “First year student’s intake at the SHS is currently at Five Hundred and Five Thousand students (505,000).”
    Dr. Adutwum also provided regional breakdowns on intake at the SHS, revealing that the Northern Region has a 95% entry rate, followed by the North East and Savanna Regions at 94%, Upper East at 92%, Upper West at 89%, and Volta Region at 76%.

    He assured that measures have been put in place to ensure an upsurge in the number of JHS leavers entering SHS.

    “The Free SHS policy has also had a positive impact on girl-child education, as recently, more girls are in Senior High Schools than boys,”

    Dr. Adutwum said, “Before the introduction of Free SHS, if you had 100 boys in a school, you would find only 68 girls in that school. But now, if you have 100 boys in a school, you would get 106 girls in the schools.

    That is, the boy-girl ratio in school currently stands at 100 boys: 106 girls, a huge improvement in student-girl’s population in Senior High Schools. This is one of the good things Free SHS has brought to us.”

  • Video: 2023 NSMQ contestants prepare for grand finale

    Video: 2023 NSMQ contestants prepare for grand finale

    The highly awaited grand finale of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) is set to take place today, October 30th, at the National Theater in Accra.

    Competing in the finals are Opoku Ware School (OWASS), a two-time champion, Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Legon (PRESEC), with an impressive seven-time championship record, and Achimota School (MOTOWN), a two-time champion.

    Ahead of the contest set to commence in the next few hours, NSMQ via its social media platform, X, has shared snippets of the contestants’ preparation.

    Take a look.

  • LIVESTREAMING NSMQ 2023: PRESEC vs OWASS vs Achimota School

    LIVESTREAMING NSMQ 2023: PRESEC vs OWASS vs Achimota School

    The much-anticipated final contest of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) is happening today, October 30 at the National Theater in Accra.

    The schools competing are two-time champions Opoku Ware School (OWASS), seven-time champions Presbyterian Boys Senior High, Legon (PRESEC), and two-time champions, Achimota School (MOTOWN).

    It is a clash of the titans. Currently, the supporters of the various schools are charging themselves through ‘morals’ and ‘jama sessions’.

    PRESEC is eager to secure an eighth championship trophy, OWASS seeks its third, and Achimota School aspires to clinch their third trophy as well.

  • How Form 1 student, Stephen Baah, beat his seniors to be selected to represent OWASS at NSMQ

    How Form 1 student, Stephen Baah, beat his seniors to be selected to represent OWASS at NSMQ

    16-year-old student from Opoku Ware School (OWASS), Stephen Apemah Baah, has captured the attention of the entire school community as they hope to end their 21-year-long National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) championship drought.

    Remarkably, Master Baah is the youngest participant in this year’s national tournament.

    His intelligence was found during OWASS’s trials ahead of the contest. These trials proved that the final-year students were not fit to provide victory for the school.

    Stephen shone brightly as he correctly answered questions his seniors found difficult to tackle. This information was provided by the coordinator of the quiz team, Richard Mensah who explained that the team’s series of defeats informed the decision to go for Stephen.

    https://twitter.com/broken_heart490/status/1715108623121060262

    “So we were preparing them thinking we will definitely get our three contestants from the Form 3s. It got to a stage where we go for trials and there are some disappointments.

    “When we go for trials, we ask the students to solve the questions and when you sit by Stephen you realise he got some of the questions right when his seniors struggled to answer them. So we decided to introduce him,” he said.

    This decision to have Stephen on board was not easily welcomed. But due to his remarkable performance, he is accepted by all, including his teammates.

    “I wasn’t really happy when the decision was made. But as time went by, we realised he was very good. So we decided to work with him and indeed he helped us. He was doing very well in every round of the contest,” one of his teammates said.

    For Stephen, this privilege put pressure on him at first. But after reflection, he accepted that the onus lies on him to bring victory to OWASS by God’s help.

    “Initially, I was really pressured. I didn’t know what to do. But I remembered if I could represent my school in JHS 2, then possibly I could do same here with the help of God. I started believing in myself that could do all the things I am doing actually and make it in the NSMQ,” he said.

    According to Stephen, his desire to compete sprung up while he was in Junior High School (JHS).

    “I got interested in the NSMQ when I was in Junior High School so I went for the Junior National Science and Maths Quiz. I couldn’t win when I was in Form 2 but won it in Form 3.

    “I realized the stuff we learn at the basic school is similar to that of SHS, so I could easily relate to them,” he said.

    Stephen graduated from the Good Shepherd R/C Basic School in Kumasi, where he led the school to victory in the Junior Science and Maths Quiz, showcasing his exceptional talents.

    Initially, he had his sights set on attending Prempeh College, a rival school, but after careful consideration, he decided to enroll in Opoku Ware School.

    As Opoku Ware School prepares to compete in the grand finale against seven-time champions PRESEC-Legon and Achimota School, they hold high hopes for their prodigious student to secure their third NSMQ trophy.

    Despite having previously lost to PRESEC-Legon in four final encounters, they are optimistic about their chances this time.

    The grand finale happens on October 31, at the National Theatre, Accra.

  • NSMQ 2023: I was really pressured but later believed in myself to represent OWASS – First year student, Stephen Baah

    NSMQ 2023: I was really pressured but later believed in myself to represent OWASS – First year student, Stephen Baah

    16-year-old student from Opoku Ware School (OWASS), Stephen Apemah Baah, has achieved a significant feat by securing a place for his school in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) grand finale, a remarkable achievement within just three years.

    Stephen Apemah Baah has emerged as a focal point for his school, as they aspire to break their 21-year drought in the NSMQ, hoping for a win.

    This remarkable feat has put Stephen Apemah Baah in the spotlight during OWASS’s NSMQ journey. Master Baah is the youngest contestant in this year’s national tournament.

    https://twitter.com/broken_heart490/status/1715108623121060262

    In an interview on JoyNews, Stephen narrated how he went through several stages of emotions after being informed that he was pivotal to OWASS’ quest to become 2023 NSMQ champions.

    He first and foremost shared how he got interested in the NSMQ. His desire to compete sprung up while he was in Junior High School (JHS).

    “I got interested in the NSMQ when I was in Junior High School so I went for the Junior National Science and Maths Quiz. I couldn’t win when I was in Form 2 but won it in Form 3.

    “I realized the stuff we learn at the basic school is similar to that of SHS, so I could easily relate to them,” he said.

    His intelligence was found during trials ahead of the contest. These trials proved that the final-year students were not fit to provide victory for the school.

    Stephen shone brightly as he correctly answered questions his seniors found difficult to tackle. This information was provided by the coordinator of the quiz team, Richard Mensah who explained that the team’s series of defeats informed the decision to go for Stephen.

    “So we were preparing them thinking we will definitely get our three contestants from the Form 3s. It got to a stage where we go for trials and there are some disappointments.

    “When we go for trials, we ask the students to solve the questions and when you sit by Stephen you realise he got some of the questions right when his seniors struggled to answer them. So we decided to introduce him,” he said.

    For Stephen, this privilege put pressure on him at first. But after reflection, he accepted that the onus lies on him to bring victory to OWASS by God’s help.

    “Initially, I was really pressured. I didn’t know what to do. But I remembered if I could represent my school in JHS 2, then possibly I could do same here with the help of God. I started believing in myself that could do all the things I am doing actually and make it in the NSMQ,” he said.

    Stephen completed his primary education at Good Shepherd R/C Basic School in Kumasi, where he notably secured victory for the school in the Junior Science and Maths Quiz, showcasing his early aptitude for math and science.

    Initially considering attending Prempeh College, he ultimately chose Opoku Ware School after thoughtful deliberation.

    Opoku Ware School is gearing up for the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) grand finale, where they will compete against seven-time champions, PRESEC-Legon, and Achimota School. While they have previously faced defeat at the hands of PRESEC-Legon on four occasions in the final rounds, Opoku Ware School remains hopeful that their prodigious student, Stephen, will lead them to their third NSMQ trophy.

  • NSMQ 2023: OWASS overpowers Prempeh College, Pope John to grand finale

    NSMQ 2023: OWASS overpowers Prempeh College, Pope John to grand finale

    It was one of the fiercest contests in the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) so far.

    The contest in question is one that featured Opoku Ware School, Pope John SHS and Prempeh College today at the semi-final stage.

    The trio competed for a slot in the final stage. Right from the onset, it was a battle royale as Pope John SHS and Opoku Ware School, popularly referred to as OWASS took the lead position. Prempeh College followed closely.

    Round 2 saw OWASS take a decisive lead. The other two schools were not far away but not so too close.

    In Round 4, the contest got intense as Pope John SHS took the lead position. But in the last round, the tides turned in favour of OWASS which dealt a decisive blow to its contenders.

    The margin that separated the three schools was infinitesimal as 2 points either earned by Prempeh College or Pope John would have surmounted the defence of Opoku Ware School which ended the race with 38 points.

    OWASS stood their grounds and tasted victory. Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah, a first-year student played a pivotal role in today’s contest. He is being hailed for his impressive performance.

    They now join Achimota School, waiting for the third school that would complete the fixture for the grand finale.

    End of Round 1:

    Pope John SHS & Min.Sem: 13pts Opoku Ware School: 13pts Prempeh College: 12pts

    End of Round 2:

    Opoku Ware School: 23pts Pope John SHS & Min.Sem: 17pts Prempeh College: 16pts

    Problem of the Day:

    Prempeh College: 4/10 Pope John SHS & Min.Sem: 3/10 Opoku Ware School: 2/10

    End of Round 4:

    Opoku Ware School: 35pts Pope John SHS & Min.Sem: 36pts Prempeh College: 33pts

    End of contest:

    Opoku Ware School: 38pts Pope John SHS & Min.Sem: 36pts Prempeh College: 36pts

  • PLAYBACK: OWASS vs Pope John SHS vs Prempeh College

    PLAYBACK: OWASS vs Pope John SHS vs Prempeh College

    The second semifinal stage contest of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) featured Opoku Ware School, Pope John SHS and Prempeh College.

    They battled for the second slot in the final stage of the competition.

    The school that won this contest will join Achimota School and one more school.

    The contest was sizzling, as the schools that competed were top dogs.

  • The form 1 student representing OWASS in 2023 NSMQ

    The form 1 student representing OWASS in 2023 NSMQ

    It has emerged that Opoku Ware School managed to advance to the semi-final stage of the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) thanks to the efforts of a first-year student.

    Andrews Oppong Damptey and Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah represented OWASS in today’s contest. Per reports on X, Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah is a first-year student.

    He was vocal in ensuring the school beat its competitors, Osei Tutu SHS and St. John’s School, at the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

    It is also reported that Stephen won the Junior Science and Maths Quiz for Good Shepherd R/C JHS.

    In a nail-biting contest, Opoku Ware School, often referred to as OWASS, narrowly advanced to the next stage after a fierce contest against Osei Tutu SHS.

    OWASS demonstrated unwavering determination to clinch victory, finishing with 45 points, earning them a place in the next stage of the competition whereas Osei Tutu SHS concluded the race with 43 points, while the third participant, St. John’s School, faced difficulties and ended with 18 points.

    Aside from the OWASS’s success today, users are now more interested Stephen who helped deliver this bitter blow to Osei Tutu SHS.

    Many are in awe as they anticipate further ‘academic destruction’ from Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah in subsequent editions of the NSMQ.

  • NSMQ 2023: OWASS vs Osei Tutu – Why Form 1 is trending

    NSMQ 2023: OWASS vs Osei Tutu – Why Form 1 is trending

    Opoku Ware School’s victory today in the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has gotten X users interactive.

    In a nail-biting contest, Opoku Ware School, often referred to as OWASS, narrowly advanced to the next stage after a fierce contest against Osei Tutu SHS.

    OWASS demonstrated unwavering determination to clinch victory, finishing with 45 points, earning them a place in the next stage of the competition whereas Osei Tutu SHS concluded the race with 43 points, while the third participant, St. John’s School, faced difficulties and ended with 18 points.

    Aside from the OWASS’s success today, users are now more interested in one of the individuals who helped deliver this bitter blow to Osei Tutu SHS.

    Andrews Oppong Damptey and Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah represented OWASS in today’s contest. Per reports on X, Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah is a first-year student.

    It is also reported that he won the Junior Science and Maths Quiz for Good Shepherd R/C JHS.

    This news has left many in awe as they anticipate further ‘academic destruction’ from Stephen Kofi Apemah-Baah in subsequent editions of the NSMQ.

    Here are some reactions.