The new groundbreaking curriculum for Senior High Schools (SHS), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools – designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in 21st-century society – has been described as up-to-task.
This first-of-its-kind, comprehensive learner-centred curriculum developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) is a highly innovative concept to prepare students for the future.
It emphasises developing essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, numeracy and financial & digital literacy.
During a key stakeholder engagement with media in Accra, it was generally agreed that the curriculum’s ability to place learners at the centre of teaching and learning by building on their existing life experiences, knowledge and understanding – whereby learners are actively involved in the knowledge-creation process, with the teacher acting as a facilitator – is a commendable transformation in the education space that can ensure the curriculum is up to task for 21st-century education.
The curriculum, which was developed by a team of 300 education experts, industry leaders and forward-thinking educators, takes a holistic approach to learning; seamlessly integrating core academic subjects with real-world problem-solving, hands-on learning experiences and the development of essential soft skills.
Director-General-NaCCA, Prof. Edward Appiah, highlighted that the new curriculum aims to ensure that all learners achieve their potential by equipping them with 21st-century skills, competencies, character qualities and shared Ghanaian values. This will prepare learners to live responsible adult lives, further, their education and enter the world of work.
“We have identified a need to redefine the SHS, SHTS and STEM curriculum to deepen their experience and empower students to become adaptable, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. This new curriculum is a game-changer, providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed at tertiary level as well as in career paths and become responsible citizens,” he said.
Ag. Director-Curriculum NaCCA, Reginald Quartey, reiterated that this is the first Ghana has developed a SHS curriculum that focuses on national values, attempting to educate a generation of Ghanaian youth who are proud of the country and can contribute effectively to its development.
The Education Strategic Plan (ESP, 2018-2030) informed development of the National Pre-Tertiary Education Curriculum Framework and National Pre-Tertiary Learning Assessment Framework, which collectively guided writing of the SHS, SHTS and STEM curriculum.
Philosophy and vision for each subject
With the new curriculum also described as subject-based rather than the former programme-based approach, each subject now has its philosophy and vision which set out why the subject is being taught and how it will contribute to national development.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholders have always played a key role in the development and implementation of education sector policies. In order to ensure stakeholders are well-informed of what the curriculum is about and make inputs based on their rich expertise, all relevant stakeholders were involved for a holistic outcome.
According to NaCCA, the development process involved extensive stakeholder engagements before and during the writing and trial phases.
These stakeholders included the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF); Vice-Chancellors Ghana (VCG); Vice-Chancellors of Technical Universities, Ghana (VCTU-G); National House of Chiefs (NHC); Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT); National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT); and Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT).
Others include the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS); Parent and Teacher Associations (PTAs); Ghana Education Service (GES); West African Examinations Council (WAEC); Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Education; Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and other subject associations.
Support Systems
To ensure students are not found wanting in subject selection processes, guidance and counselling coaches are being trained to provide support to learners on subject combinations and their implications for future career pathways.
Roll-out & Implementation Plan
The curriculum is currently being piloted in about 33 high schools across the country and general implementation will commence at all SHS, SHTS and STEM schools beginning in the 2024/2025 academic year.
