Common Core Programme (CCP) for SHS1, 6 Facts and 5 Projected Benefits

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has introduced the Common Core Programme for JHS1-SHS1 students with that of Basic 7 already started.

Interestingly, the 2020 BECE graduates will be the first batch of SHS students to start the CCP at the HSH level.

The programme will be for one year and will help prepare learners for  their career path

The learners will combine the already achieved behavioural enhancement which mostly deals with the cognitive aspect with hands-on practical training into any chosen discipline from JHS1 to JHS3. The CPP is expected to be gradually scaled up to those in SHS 1 after its introduction at the basic school level.

ALSO READ: No Elective Subjects for SHS1 Students For 1 Year Starting 10th March 2021

Common Core Programme for SHS1

At SHS 1 level, graduates of basic school will study the common core programmes for another one year. After this, they will be required to choose programmes to learn towards their elective career paths from SHS 2 until they complete their secondary education.

The curriculum is designed with the aim of preparing students for post-secondary education or the world of work or both.

ALSO READ: SHS Common Core Programme Starts With 2020 BECE Graduates

 Things To Note About The Common Core Programme For SHS1 Students

1. The Common Core Programme (CCP) is a 4-yr programme. SHS 1 students will learn 9 subjects which are; Maths, Languages, Sciences (embodying both the Natural and Applied Sciences), RME, Physical and Health Education, Career Technology, Social Studies, Computing, Creative Arts, and Design.
2. Students after studying under the CCP are expected to acquire 6 key competencies, which include critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. When SHS1 students are ready for progression into SHS 2, they will take an exam (Common Core Exams)
4. The examination would serve as a guide for the students to choose courses they want to pursue.
5. The courses chose will lead to a High School Diploma Programme (HSDP) or Career-related Programme (CRP).
6. The programme chosen by the students from point 5 above will be studied SHS 2–3.

What are the anticipated benefits of the Common Core Programme and the new SHS system?

There are very well articulated reasons for the introduction of the new Common Core Programme.

These include the following

1. It is designed to build character and nurture values in students.
2. Again, it will offer students a seamless progression from JHS to SHS.
3. Students will have a clear pathway for academic and career-related programmes.
4. The CCP is also expected to help deal with challenges confronting Ghana’s current school system in relation to learning and assessment.
5. When fully implemented, it will promote better High School education that meets the varied learning needs of young people in Ghana.

The Common Core Programme has prospects and can change the face of Ghana’s education system if the implementation is done properly.

Sadly, we are already practising the implementation of the programme at the JHS level with Basic 7 students without training for teachers and the needed teaching and learning materials.

This approach only makes our students in JHS1 and those getting ready for SHS1 trial elements in the implementation of the programme.