Ghana’s New Secondary Education Curriculum Set for November Rollout: Aimed at Enhancing Critical Thinking and 21st-Century Skills 

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  November 06| Ghana’s New Secondary Education Curriculum Set for November Rollout: Aimed at Enhancing Critical Thinking and 21st-Century Skills

“Ghana’s Ministry of Education unveils a transformative new curriculum for SHS, SHTS, and STEM programs. Set for a November rollout, it emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and essential 21st-century skills for modern education.”

The Ministry of Education in Ghana has announced a November rollout for its transformative new curriculum for Senior High Schools (SHSs), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. This curriculum overhaul aims to redefine Ghana’s educational landscape by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.

This new curriculum is a result of collaboration among over 300 educational experts from across the country, who worked together to create a robust and future-oriented educational framework for Ghana’s youth. The curriculum’s design reflects the Ministry’s vision to equip students with essential skills needed for modern life, further education, and successful entry into the workforce.

Teacher Preparation and Resources

A key focus in the planning of the new curriculum has been on teacher readiness. The Ministry has been organizing weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions to ensure educators are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively. In addition, subject-specific teacher manuals have been developed in collaboration with subject associations, providing teachers with structured guides for implementing the curriculum.

Core Outcomes of the New Curriculum

The new curriculum emphasizes three primary outcomes:

1. 21st-Century Skills Development: A focus on equipping learners with skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability to prepare them for the evolving demands of modern society.
2. Strong Academic Foundation: The curriculum aims to lay a solid groundwork for further education, ensuring students are academically prepared for advanced studies.
3. Career Preparation: The curriculum is designed to prepare students for their future careers by instilling in them key competencies and character qualities essential for the workplace.

Beyond these outcomes, the curriculum emphasizes Shared Ghanaian values as a foundation, aiming to foster responsible and socially conscious citizens.

New Assessment Approaches

A significant shift in the assessment process is also being introduced. Moving away from traditional exam-focused evaluations, the new curriculum will use comprehensive assessment methods that prioritize the holistic development of students, measuring skills like critical thinking and creativity rather than rote memorization.

Support for Core Subjects

The Ministry is also implementing intervention programs in Mathematics and English to support students who need extra help in these critical subjects. This targeted support aims to ensure all students have a solid grasp of core academic skills.

With these comprehensive reforms, Ghana’s education system is poised for significant advancement, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The Ministry of Education’s commitment to a modern, values-driven curriculum marks an essential step towards an empowered, educated Ghanaian youth.