By David Bewanke
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NACCA), has engaged stakeholders in the Oti Region as part of plans to educate stakeholders on the new curriculum for Senior High and Technical schools.
After the new curriculum was introduced by the current government, text books are yet to be introduced by the Ghana Education Service to be used by students at the Senior level.
With this challenge, NACCA has been engaging stakeholders in the country to get their understanding of the new curriculum yet to be introduced.
The Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, Mrs Irene Jacquelinda Attabra, said the global educational landscape is evolving and Ghana is not left behind.
Mrs Irene Jacquelinda Attabra added that, due to the exposure to the content and structure of the new Senior High school (SHS), Senior High Technical school (SHTS), and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, there is evidence that it aligns with international best practices, capable of equipping our leaders with 21st century skills and competencies for their further studies, world of work, and adult life and ultimately preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
She said, guided by the education strategic plan (ESP 2018–2030), the development of the curriculum has been a meticulous process, involving the widest stakeholders’ engagement ever, trials, as well as, national and international reviews to ensure its effectiveness. “It is refreshing to note therefore that the new curriculum is very unique,it is learner-entered, promotes Ghanaian value, and ensures inclusivity.”
Nana Okogyeama Asiedu Koram ll, the Paramount Chief of Apesokubi and Representative of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, said in his address that the Chiefs in Oti Region are always ready to support education in Oti Region, be it in infrastructure or any other help the Regional Education may need.
Nana Asiedu added, that the Chiefs in Oti Region have pledged to support education in the Region and made available lands for the education projects.
In addressing and taking the participants through the work of NACCA and how the new curriculum looks, the Cooperate Affairs Director at NACCA, Madam Rebecca Adu Gariba, charged parents, teachers, and students to take the news curriculum seriously, especially the students, because they are the end users of the new curriculum.
Madam Gariba told participants that the work of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NACCA, has made it possible that after graduation from the SHS, SHTS, and STEM, students will be equipped with skills training and will be able to do things on their own, unlike when students are only taken through the theory system.
According to Madam Gariba, the new curriculum has added new things where students will now be taught about things around them and not about things they have no knowledge about.
The Communication and ICT Coordinating Director, Madam Mabel Viviey, emphasised that guidance and counselling coaches are being trained to provide support to learners on subject combinations and their implications for future career pathways.
Madam Viviey said the teachers are now to use the learning areas, and students will be allowed to select subjects on their own and will be able to change those subjects when the need arises.
NACCA has two more Regions to engage in the new curriculum in the country.
According to NACCA, the curriculum implementation will commence in all SHS, SHTS, and STEM schools at the beginning of 2024/2025 academic year.
