May 20th, 2022 at 08:54 am
Ghana Education System: Levels of education in Ghana
Levels of education in Ghana
Ghana Education System: Levels of education in Ghana. The arrival of Europeans and missionary activities was how levels of formal education came into existence in Ghana. The European’s target was the children of these settlers. Due to the nature of work amongst Ghanaians, there was no need to indulge in any formal education. This was as a result of no employment outside their homes that will demand a particular skill set. After colonisation, Ghana adopted the Western style of education.
Ghana’s levels of education
Ghana’s education system has been divided into three levels. They include basic education, secondary education, and tertiary education. This is because there have been so many educational reforms that have been introduced in Ghana. The one that has stuck is the one introduced in 1987. It follows the 6 years of primary education, 3 years of junior secondary, 3 years of senior secondary and four years of Higher education structure.
Basic level of education
Here, Basic education in Ghana is free for those who attend public institutions. This is because of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCube) act. Basic education in Ghana spans a period of 12 years.
This level of education ensures that learners are prepared. That is with the basic literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills. Basic education is divided into kindergarten which takes two years for learners between the ages of 4 to 6, and primary education which lasts for 6 years.
Subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Religious and Moral Education and English language are studied at the Junior High School. Learners are assessed after their last year in Junior High School. They are made to write the Basic Education Certificate Examination(BECE).
Secondary level of education
The next level in Ghana’s education is the secondary level. The students who excel in their BECE are those that can further to the secondary level. The secondary level consists of academia and Vocational programmes.
The academic programme offers students to choose a course. For instance, science, general art, business and visual art. The curriculum is divided into core and elective subjects.
At the end of three years, the students are assessed by writing external exams. That is the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination. Those that opt for a Vocational and Technical school are offered an education that equips them with professional skills. It is a practical approach geared towards self-employment after completion.
Tertiary level of Education
There has been notable growth in the enrolment and establishment of tertiary institutions across the country. A vast majority comes from the private sector. Tertiary institutions consist of universities, Polytechnics, specialized institutions and colleges.
The universities offer an education from bachelor’s degree to PhD. A Bachelor’s degree takes about four years majoring in a specific discipline. The master’s comes in two forms, one year program with a dissertation and a two-year program where one year is used for research. Either choice can lead to a PhD.
The Polytechnic offers a three-year vocational training which offers the student a Higher National Diploma Specialized institutions focus on one area like teaching, Nursing, agriculture etc.