The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has introduced a new supplementary reader, The Beacon of Light, to replace Cock Crow for the literature aspect of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to be administered in 2027). The introduction of the book means the end of an era for the Cock Crow.
The Cock Crow, along with its commentary and guide, has been used at the BECE level as the sole book recommended for the last 15 years. Its usage started in 2010 and it was approved for use for the new curriculum; however, the change is to help reflect the new curriculum and its demands for the Englishlanguage.
According to NaCCA, the newly approved book will be used to examine learners who are currently in JHS1 (Basic) and after. This means that the last two batches of students who will be examined with the infamous Cock Crow will be Junior High School students who are currently in Basic 8 and 9.
The literature book titled The Beacon of Light, authored by Joshlyn Yayra Diabo, Adam Ankrah, Bryte Okrah, and Lucas Zanyoh, has therefore been officially approved as the prescribed literature text for Junior High Schools across the country.
An additional resource that accompanies the book is The Beacon of Light Commentary, authored by Victoria Stevens, Dr. Jemima Larteley Mensah, and Very Rev. Ebo Ephraim. The commentary provides an in-depth analysis of the book’s contents, offering deeper insights to enhance understanding.
The Beacon of Light has been designed to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, literacy, and moral values among young learners. It is intended to complement the core instructional materials and provide teachers with additional content to the classroom experience.
It also comes to replace the Cock Crow, which has been in use for over 15 years – compelling examiners to repeat test items and has time-worn in content as far as the Standard-based Curriculum is concerned. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) are confident that The Beacon of Light will significantly improve the quality of education in schools.
Beacon of Light to for the 2027 BECE—Picture of the cover page of the reader and the commentary
Therefore, the Beacon of Light should be studied as part of the English Language Curriculum. Teachers preparing learners and learners preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in 2027 (learners in JHS 1 for the 2024/2025 academic year) should note that the Beacon of Light will be examined.
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