In a significant development, starting from the academic year 2024/2025, Senior High School (SHS) Science students will witness a transformation in their curriculum. The Ministry of Education has announced that Core and Elective Mathematics will no longer be treated as separate examinable subjects. This change aims to streamline the learning experience and provide students with a more comprehensive and integrated approach to their studies.
1. Enhanced Integration:
The decision to merge Core and Elective Mathematics into a single subject reflects a shift towards a more holistic approach to education. By integrating these two disciplines, students will have a better understanding of how mathematical concepts apply to real-world scientific scenarios. This integration will foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students for the challenges they may encounter in their future careers.
2. Practical Application:
The new curriculum will emphasize the practical application of mathematics in scientific fields. Students will be exposed to mathematical concepts that are directly relevant to their scientific studies, enabling them to grasp the underlying principles more effectively. This approach will enhance their ability to analyze data, interpret results, and make informed decisions based on mathematical models.
3. Reduced Workload:
One of the key benefits of this change is the reduction in the overall workload for SHS Science students. By eliminating the need to study Core and Elective Mathematics as separate subjects, students will have more time and energy to focus on other core science subjects. This shift will allow for a more balanced and manageable academic experience, promoting overall student well-being and reducing stress levels.
4. Improved Collaboration:
The integration of Core and Elective Mathematics will also encourage collaboration among students from different scientific disciplines. By studying mathematics together, students pursuing various branches of science will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share insights, and develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of different scientific fields. This collaborative environment will foster teamwork and enhance the overall learning experience.
The decision to merge Core and Elective Mathematics as a single subject for Senior High School Science students marks an exciting change in the educational landscape. This integration will provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of mathematics and its practical applications in scientific fields. By streamlining the curriculum and reducing the workload, students will have the opportunity to excel in their studies while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This transformation will undoubtedly contribute to the holistic development of future scientists and innovators.
In a recent announcement, Professor Edward Appiah, the Director-General of the National Council and Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), hinted that students will no longer be obligated to take Mathematics alone. Instead, they will be mandated to also study Additional Mathematics.
Prof. Appiah said JHS students who rushed to sit the BECE 2023 had lost, “because the students who are going to do this common core-based examination will have easier assimilation and transition.
“Our mode of assessment has changed.
Now, the students are being assessed along the line,” he said, adding that the current mode was a multiple assessment system and not the end-of-the-year assessment.
He further explained that the current system was such that the students were assessed during classroom exercises and project work, “and so, as the learner is learning, he or she is being assessed”.1
Prof. Appiah added that with that mode of assessment, a teacher could actually decide not to conduct any end-of-year examination because he or she might have finished assessing the students already.
