New SHS, SHTS, and STEM Curriculum: A Comprehensive Guide to Subject Combinations and Timetabling

In July 2024, the Ministry of Education rolled out an updated curriculum for Senior High Schools (SHS), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. This new curriculum is designed to provide students with greater flexibility in selecting their subject combinations, enhancing their educational experience, and better aligning their studies with future career aspirations. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the new curriculum, the subject combinations, and how schools can effectively implement these changes.

Greater Flexibility in Subject Selection

One of the standout features of the new curriculum is the increased flexibility in subject selection. Students now have the option to exit SHS, SHTS, or STEM programs with a minimum of seven subjects, which includes four core subjects and three electives. They can also opt to study up to nine subjects, with the additional electives being assessed internally by the schools. These internally assessed subjects will be captured in students’ transcripts and can be used to supplement tertiary admission requirements.

The Role of Schools in Subject Selection

The new curriculum gives schools the autonomy to offer subject combinations based on their resources, teacher expertise, and focused areas. For instance, schools with a strong tradition in Agriculture or Business Studies can choose to make these subjects compulsory for Year One students or throughout the program. This flexibility allows schools to maintain their unique identities while providing students with a broad range of educational opportunities.

Learning Areas and Subject Combinations

Junior High School (JHS) graduates entering SHS will choose from eight ‘Learning Areas’: General Arts, Science, STEM, Applied Technology, Home Economics, Business, Agriculture, and Art. These Learning Areas offer a wide variety of core and elective subjects, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and future goals.

Learning Area: Science

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Science Electives: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Physics, Additional Mathematics, among others.
• Additional Electives: ICT, Art and Design Studio, Home Economics, etc.
• Humanities Electives: Economics, Geography, Government, History, etc.

Learning Area: General Arts

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• General Arts Electives: Economics, Geography, Government, History, Literature in English, etc.
• Additional Electives: ICT, Applied Technology, Art and Design, Business Studies, etc.
• Science Electives: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, etc.

Learning Area: Business

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Business Electives: Business Studies (Year One), Business Management, Accounting (Years Two and Three), and electives like Economics, ICT, etc.
• Additional Electives: Geography, History, Design & Communication Technology, among others.

Learning Area: Applied Technology

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Applied Technology Electives: Design & Communication Technology (mandatory), and specialized electives like Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, etc.
• Additional Electives: Physics, ICT, Art and Design Foundation, etc.
• Humanities Electives: Economics, Government, Literature in English, etc.

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Learning Area: Home Economics

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Home Economics Electives: Biology, Design & Communication Technology, Agriculture, among others.
• Additional Electives: Business Studies, Art and Design Studio, Performing Arts, etc.
• Humanities Electives: Geography, French, Religious Studies, etc.

Learning Area: Art

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Art Electives: Art and Design Foundation (mandatory), Art and Design Studio, Performing Arts, etc.
• Additional Electives: Applied Technology, Home Economics, Business Studies, etc.
• Science Electives: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.

Learning Area: Agriculture

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Agriculture Electives: Agriculture (mandatory), with options like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, etc.
• Additional Electives: ICT, Home Economics, RME, among others.
• Humanities Electives: Economics, Geography, Government, etc.

Learning Area: Languages

• Core Subjects: Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language, General Science, PEH (core, non-examinable).
• Languages Electives: French, Ghanaian Languages, Arabic, Literature in English, etc.
• Additional Electives: Applied Technology, Business Studies, Art and Design Foundation, etc.
• Science Electives: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, etc.

Intervention Subjects for Additional Support

Recognizing that some students may require additional support in English and Mathematics, the curriculum introduces Intervention English and Intervention Mathematics. Initially, these subjects will be implemented in 274 SHS and SHTS during the 2024/25 academic year, with plans to expand to all schools by 2025/26. Students identified as needing this support will take these intervention courses alongside their core subjects to enhance their proficiency.

Timetabling and Implementation

Each subject under the new curriculum is to be timetabled for a minimum of three and a maximum of four hours per week, except for PEH (Core), which is allotted one hour per week. Schools are encouraged to adapt this guidance based on their unique circumstances, ensuring they offer as many subject combinations as possible within their resource constraints.

Conclusion

The new SHS, SHTS, and STEM curriculum marks a significant shift in Ghana’s educational landscape, offering students greater autonomy in their studies and preparing them for a wide range of career paths. By adhering to the Ministry of Education’s guidelines, schools can effectively implement these changes, fostering an environment that supports diverse learning needs and future aspirations.

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