Programmes, Initiatives and Curriculum Materials
Domain 4: Programmes, Initiatives and Curriculum Materials
This domain tests flagship GES/MoE programmes, their objectives and target groups, and the curriculum-materials chain from approval to classroom use.
Core programmes
- Free SHS (from 2017): removes tuition and approved fees for SHS/TVET to increase access and equity; implementation involves enrolment, fee absorption and monitoring.
- FCUBE: the basic-education policy framework for free, compulsory, universal basic education.
- Ghana School Feeding Programme: provides a hot meal in selected public basic schools to improve nutrition, attendance and retention; schools and districts coordinate with programme managers.
- Capitation Grant: per-capita funding to public basic schools to support operational costs and reduce fee barriers.
- GALOP (Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project): focuses on improving learning outcomes in low-performing basic schools through teacher support, supervision, assessment and accountability.
- Inclusive Education Policy: ensures learners with special educational needs access mainstream and specialised provision.
Curriculum and materials
- The National Pre-tertiary Education Curriculum Framework (2018) introduced a standards-based approach: KG to B6 Standards-Based Curriculum, B7 to B10 Common Core Programme, and SHS/TVET curricula.
- NaCCA develops the curriculum and approves textbooks and instructional materials; GES implements, distributes and monitors use.
- Districts verify supplies against enrolment, keep inventory, and ensure schools use approved materials. Unapproved books should not be used for instruction.
Worked example
A district receives a consignment of B7 mathematics textbooks. Before distribution, the district should check that the titles are on the NaCCA-approved list, reconcile quantities with procurement records and school enrolment, distribute according to an approved allocation, and record receipts and issues. A school requests permission to use a donated textbook not on the list; the district should decline it for classroom instruction and refer the publisher to NaCCA for evaluation.
Traps that cost marks
- Saying GES develops the national curriculum; NaCCA does.
- Treating Free SHS as covering every cost; it covers approved fees, not all personal expenses.
- Confusing GALOP with a school-feeding programme.
- Distributing textbooks without inventory or enrolment reconciliation.
- Assuming any donated textbook may be used without NaCCA approval.