In this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates, final-year junior high school (JHS) students are in for some new subjects.
These additions include Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic.
Both Career Technology and Creative Art and Design, which are revamped versions of the former Basic Design and Technology (BDT) curriculum, will now be mandatory for all candidates, according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
However, Arabic will be offered as an optional subject specifically for candidates in Islamic basic schools.
This year’s examination period is extended to six days, starting from Monday, July 8, 2024, to Monday, July 15, 2024, a shift from the previous five-day schedule.
John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, shared more insights into the changes.
He explained that the introduction of new subjects aligns with the Ghanaian government’s efforts to reshape the educational landscape.
With candidate registration now complete, WAEC is focused on organizing the breakdown of subjects for examination.
All necessary preparations, including the distribution of sample questions and scheduling of meetings, have been completed.
According to Kapi, Arabic’s inclusion marks its debut in the BECE, serving as an elective option for those proficient in the language seeking certification. The official timetable released by WAEC outlines the examination schedule.
Subjects such as English Language and Religious and Moral Education will commence proceedings on Monday, July 8, 2024.
Subsequent days will feature a diverse range of subjects tested, with French and Career Technology wrapping up the examinations on Friday, July 12, 2024.
