Curriculum Reform
Introduction
Curriculum reform is one of our key focus areas. We support the development and enhancement of curricula at various educational levels, including basic schools, secondary education, teacher education, and Bachelor of Education programs. We work with relevant government agencies such as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and West African Examination Council. We are supporting NaCCA, and GTEC to develop a secondary education curriculum and teacher education curriculum respectively based on the acquisition of 21st Century Skills to prepare young people for the world of work, adult life, and further study. As part of the curriculum development processes, we are also supporting WAEC and NaCCA to introduce a new assessment system alongside the new curriculum which will make provision for more varied and rounded forms of assessment – such as portfolios and project work- which are often more inclusive than written examinations. Our specific areas of focus include:
1. Basic School Curriculum Development:
We believe in laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Working with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), we tap into the expertise of various teachers and educators from across all the educational levels and subject matter specialists from teacher education unions and regional education offices. Our support to NaCCA has enabled NaCCA to develop the Standards Based Curriculum which is aligned with contemporary educational standards, promote critical thinking, creativity, and equip students with essential foundational skills. The curriculum focuses on building character and nurturing values, in addition to ensuring a seamless progression for all learners from JHS to SHS and creates clear pathways for academic and career-related programmes.
2. Secondary Education Curriculum Development:
Building on the basic school curriculum, we are supporting NaCCA to enhance the quality and relevance of secondary education by developing a secondary education curriculum that will ensure that secondary school graduates are equipped with the skills and competencies to competencies necessary succeed in the world of work, further studies and adult life. committed to enhancing the quality and relevance of secondary education. Our team of experts and subject specialists have integrated emerging global trends, best practices, locally salient issues, gender equality and social inclusion, shared national value, social and emotional learning, 21st century skills into the curriculum. We emphasise the integration of STEM subjects, ICT, and practical activities to empower learners for the challenges of the modern world.
3. STEM Curriculum Development:
In recognition of the growing importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, we are working with the Ministry of Education to develop a STEM curriculum. This includes the development of a STEM Education Policy by bringing together a team of subject matter experts and educators to design the STEM curriculum. The STEM curriculum will support teaching and learning in the new STEM schools established by the Ministry of Education. The Curriculum fosters inquiry-based learning, problem-solving, and critical analysis. We focus on integrating real-world applications, hands-on experiences, and collaborative projects to inspire students’ interest in STEM fields.
4. One-Year Pedagogical Curriculum for Non-Teachers:
Each year, about 50,000 National Service Personnel are posted to work as teachers. Whilst a good number of these personnel are graduates of Bachelor of Education Degree courses from Colleges of Education and Universities, there are still some personnel who have received no formal training in pedagogy or teaching education. To meet this need, we are working with the National Teaching Council and the National Service Secretariat to develop a comprehensive one-year pedagogical curriculum for non-teachers. This specialised program equips graduates with pedagogical knowledge, classroom management skills, and effective communication strategies. The programme is designed to cover basic aspects of essential pedagogies, professional practice, values and ethics as well as the use of ICT in education and assessment practices in schools. We are also supporting the National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Teaching Council (NTC) to organise the first ever mandatory pedagogy training sessions for National Service Personnel posted to teach in SHS and SHTS.
5. Teacher Education Curriculum Development:
Building on the secondary education curriculum, T-TEL is working with the National Teaching Council, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the universities to develop a revised Teacher Education curriculum essential to ensure that student teachers are taught the skills they need effectively implement the new secondary education curriculum and help ensure secondary education institution students obtain subject knowledge and 21st century skills needed to advance to further education or the world of work.
6. Bachelor of Education Curriculum Development:
Aspiring educators require rigorous and relevant training to become transformative teachers. We support educational institutions in developing Bachelor of Education curricula that meet the highest standards of excellence. Our team works closely with academia and industry experts to design comprehensive programs that combine pedagogical theory, practical experiences, and specialized content knowledge. We ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills, competencies, and passion to make a positive impact in the field of education.
7. Development of Relevant Materials:
To complement our curriculum development efforts, we are working with the Ghana Education Service, National Teaching Council and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment to develop a wide range of relevant materials and resources to support the effective implementation of the curricula developed. These include the production of new secondary education curriculum-related CPD materials, to enhance practical teaching & learning including digital literacy, and developing of professional development handbooks to support professional learning community sessions, and additional materials on assessment, guidance and counselling, employability skills etc.