Over 600,000 students are poised to embark on the week-long Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), commencing on August 7, 2023. Hailing from 18,993 schools across the nation, this diverse cohort comprises 300,323 young men and 300,391 determined women.
This year marks a significant juncture for the BECE, as it concludes its longstanding tenure of over 30 years with the current batch of students. Looking ahead, a new examination will be introduced in 2024 for the inaugural group of junior high school students. This transition aligns with the updated curriculum that was embraced in 2019.
Underpinning this evolution is the newly established standard-based curriculum, which will shape the junior high school exit test scheduled for 2024. This pivotal shift will usher in a novel phase for student evaluation, beginning with the rollout of a fresh BECE format next year.
The Coalition of Concerned Teachers is advocating for a well-defined trajectory for the evaluation process under the standard-based curriculum. Adokwei Ayikwie Awule, Director of Communications for the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, emphasized the need for a clear roadmap for the standard-based curriculum examination.
Meanwhile, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) issued a statement on August 3, extending a caution to the applicants preparing for the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination. They urged students to uphold integrity, refraining from malpractice or any form of misconduct that could hinder their aspirations and ambitions.
As the BECE embarks on its final year in its current form, the impending transition to the revamped evaluation system reflects a significant stride towards enhancing the quality and effectiveness of education in Ghana.
