An education specialist Divine Kpe, has disclosed d that the introduction of the new curriculum is set to allow flexibility in subject selection and is aimed to transform Ghana’s educational landscape and enhance effective learning outcomes.
The Ministry of Education, through its agencies, the National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA) and Ghana Education Service (GES), publicized its readiness to start a new secondary education curriculum for Senior High School (SHS), Senior High Technical School (SHTS) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The curriculum was developed after extensive consultations and it’s expected to be used in this new academic year.
Over the past two years, NaCCA, which is responsible for creating curricula in the country, has been planning and working with GES for the development and rollout of the new curriculum.
Extensive engagement of stakeholders was involved in the preparation to give insights on what the curriculum should highlight and achieve a collaborative process. This saw the involvement of over 300 experts across Ghana, all contributing to the development of a healthy curriculum designed to shape the future of education in Ghana.
In an interview on Starr Today with Tutuwaa Danso, Mr. Kpe highlighted the key features of the new curriculum. Saying that it is to focus on “depth over breadth.” This approach allows students to explore a few subjects before they major in the ones, they are conversant with. This brings flexibility in subject selection, allowing students to drop subjects they find challenging.
“I remember back in the SHS people were doing elective mathematics after the first year. They were not okay with it but they just had to follow through. Their strength in the first year and then when you get to the second year, they can focus on their strength going forward. So, this flexibility also helps lessen the stress on students and also they may have assessed” He noted.
The curriculum also introduces social-emotional learning. This identifies the importance of emotional intelligence in today’s workforce, especially in an era where the use of artificial intelligence is rapidly growing. Students will be taught skills to manage their emotions and work cordially with others. This focus aims to prepare students not just academically, but also socially, for future collaborative environments.
Mr. Kpe further addressed the skills needed for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, preparing students with the essential skills for success in the job market.
The education expert further highlighted the significance of this reform, stating that it has been late since international standards recommend curriculum reviews every five years. “For the very fact that we have seen an introduction of emotional intelligence, it’s a game changer,” he asserted.
As the new curriculum takes effect, Mr. Divine Kpe has therefore called on all educators and stakeholders to support it in order to ensure its successful implementation. This initiative has the potential to reshape Ghana’s educational landscape.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Jasmine Adjei Anyetei
