2024 BECE Updates: New Subjects, Extended Schedule, and Preparation Tips

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced the schedule for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), marking significant developments in both the structure and content of the exam.

Set to occur from Monday, July 8, 2024, to Monday, July 15, 2024, this year’s examination introduces new subjects and extends the duration from the traditional five days to a full week of testing.

Mr. John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, confirmed in an interview with the Daily Graphic that the council is poised to begin the printing of examination materials imminently.

“The printing exercise will start very soon, and so we are on course,” he assured, indicating readiness for the upcoming examination period.

This year, final-year junior high school (JHS) students across the country will face new challenges as they sit for the exam.

The curriculum has been expanded to include three additional subjects: Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic. Career Technology and Creative Art and Design, which evolved from the previous Basic Design and Technology (BDT), will be mandatory for all students.

Arabic, on the other hand, will be an optional subject, primarily aimed at candidates in Islamic basic schools.

The inclusion of these new subjects is a reflection of the evolving educational standards and the emphasis on providing a diverse curriculum that caters to the varied interests and career pathways of students.

Mr. Kapi explained that the decisions regarding the curriculum changes were influenced by governmental directives, aiming to align the education system more closely with contemporary needs and aspirations.

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The operational logistics of the exam have been meticulously planned. According to Mr. Kapi, “The registration of candidates has been completed, and we are now preparing for the breakdown of candidates by subject.”

This organization is crucial for managing the expanded format and ensuring that all students are adequately accommodated over the new six-day examination period.

To assist in preparation, WAEC has distributed sample questions to schools and made them available on its website.

This is part of a broader effort to ensure that students and teachers alike are well-prepared for the changes in the 2024 examination.

The timetable for the BECE reflects the new structure and content. The examination kicks off with English Language and Religious and Moral Education on the first day, Monday, July 8, 2024.

This is followed by Science and Computing, recently renamed from Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), on Tuesday. Wednesday sees students tackling Social Studies alongside the new subject of Creative Art and Design.

As the week progresses, Thursday will be dedicated to Mathematics and Ghanaian Language.

The second of the new subjects, Career Technology, will be examined on Friday, coupled with French.

The examination week concludes on the following Monday with the optional Arabic exam.

This strategic inclusion and scheduling of subjects underscore WAEC’s commitment to accommodating a wide range of academic interests and providing a comprehensive assessment that reflects students’ capabilities across various disciplines.

The adjustments to the BECE are part of broader educational reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education and ensuring that it meets the requirements of modern-day Ghana.

As students and teachers prepare for these changes, the support from WAEC in terms of resources and clear communication continues to play a vital role in transitioning smoothly into this new phase of academic evaluation.

The extended examination period and the introduction of new subjects are designed not only to challenge the students but also to equip them better for future academic and professional endeavors.

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