GES, NaCCA Confused Over 2024 BECE Subject Categorization: Updates from WAEC’s Meeting with the GES, Accra Held on 21st February 2024

The run-up to the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has been marked by a whirlwind of confusion and clarifications between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), leaving parents, teachers, and students navigating through a maze of mixed messages regarding subject categorization.

Registration and Examination Dates

The registration portal for the 2024 BECE opened on 26th February and will close on 5th April 2024, setting the stage for the first batch of students to be examined under the New Curriculum. The examinations are scheduled to run from Monday, 8th July, to Friday, 12th July 2024.

Core and Optional Subjects

In an attempt to clarify the situation, it was established that with the exception of Ghanaian Language, French, and Arabic (schools must choose one), all other subjects are considered core. This year marks the inclusion of Creative Arts as a subject to be written at the Basic level, a departure from previous years where Career Technology and Computing (formerly BDT and ICT respectively) dominated discussions.

The Confusion

The confusion began when, on 20th-22nd February, Computing was announced as compulsory during a nationwide BECE orientation by WAEC to GES Directors and Exam Officers, with Ghanaian Language being optional. This stance was flipped by NaCCA on 23rd February, declaring both Computing and Ghanaian language compulsory. By 1st March, GES declared Computing now optional and Ghanaian Language compulsory, adding to the confusion among parents and stakeholders.

NaCCA’s Clarification

NaCCA issued a clarification stating that under the Common Core Programme (CCP) Curriculum, there are no optional subjects. The curriculum emphasizes Mathematics and Science, with English Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Ghanaian Language, Religious and Moral Education, Creative Arts, Career Technology, Computing, French, and Arabic as the subjects every learner is expected to study and be examined on.

GES’s Directive

Following NaCCA’s clarification, GES issued a directive outlining the subjects to be registered for the BECE: Mandatory subjects include English Language, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies, Religious and Moral Education, Career Technology, and Creative Arts and Design. Ghanaian Language is an elective subject based on the language studied, while French, Arabic, and Computing are categorized as optional subjects.

The Way Forward

As the dust settles on this confusion, it is imperative that all stakeholders refer to the latest directives from GES and NaCCA. Schools are urged to ensure that students are registered for the correct subjects and to complete the curriculum before the examination dates. Teachers are also advised to focus on critical thinking and practical questions in preparation for the BECE, moving away from the direct question approach of previous examinations.

ALSO READ: GES, NaCCA confused over 2024 BECE compulsory and optional subjects -Kofi Asare (ghanaeducation.org)

In light of these developments, the emphasis on a standardized approach to education and examination underscores the Ghanaian education system’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience for its students. As we move closer to the examination dates, it is crucial for all involved to stay informed and aligned with the official guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful examination process.

Below are the two Press Releases which is causing the confusion;

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