The Director of Schools and Instructions Division at the Ghana Education Service, Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah, has revealed a significant change in the upcoming 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This decision, made in collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NACCA) and various stakeholders, is aimed at fostering a more focused and meaningful learning environment.
During an interview with MX24 in Accra, Agyemang-Duah emphasized the careful consideration and expert input that led to this pivotal decision. The previous nine subjects were deemed excessive, prompting the removal of the subject “Our World Our People” from the curriculum.
Agyemang-Duah explained that upon closer examination, this subject exhibited significant overlap with social studies, creating a burdensome and potentially punitive learning experience for students. He stated, “The goal is to ensure that learning is not perceived as a punishment for children but rather as a meaningful and productive experience.”
The streamlined curriculum, starting with the 2024 BECE, aims to make education more purposeful and relevant. Candidates will now be assessed in five subjects, reflecting a thoughtful and strategic approach to curriculum development. Agyemang-Duah expressed, “So, what has been done is that in the 2024 BECE, five subjects are going to be written by the candidates.”
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) holds significant importance as the primary assessment determining students’ eligibility for admission into secondary and vocational schools in Ghana and Nigeria. Administered by the Ghana Education Service under the Ministry of Education, the BECE covers a range of subjects.
The recent decision to streamline the subjects for the 2024 BECE reflects a commitment to enhance the educational experience. However, specific details regarding which subjects will be retained or removed remain unclear. Agyemang-Duah’s announcement underscores the ongoing efforts to create a more efficient and meaningful learning environment for students in the region.