In recent times, many students taking the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) have voiced their concerns about the difficulty level of the questions. Specifically, candidates sitting for the 2025 BECE have described some of the Common Core Curriculum questions as extremely challenging and exceeding the boundaries of the curriculum set by the Ghana Education Service (GES). These students believe that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which administers the exam, has introduced questions that demand a level of knowledge and critical thinking beyond their preparation.
One student, reflecting on the science paper, stated, “Some of the questions we answered in the science paper today were not based on the Common Core Curriculum. WAEC included topics that were beyond what we were taught in school.”
This sentiment raises an important question: Are the 2025 Common Core BECE questions genuinely too difficult, or is the issue tied to preparation gaps among students?
Why Students Find the 2025 Common Core BECE Challenging
Several reasons contribute to students finding the BECE under the Common Core Curriculum difficult. These factors include:
1. Inadequate Preparation
Many students admitted that they were not adequately prepared for the structure and complexity of the examination. While schools are expected to teach using the Common Core Curriculum, some students reported inconsistencies in how the curriculum was implemented.
A major challenge was the lack of sufficient mock examinations and practice materials that align with WAEC’s style. Without proper exposure to sample questions or mock exams that mirror the new system, students often feel unprepared and overwhelmed.
2. Deviation from the Common Core Curriculum
A significant number of students complained about questions, particularly in science, that appeared to be unrelated to the prescribed Common Core Curriculum. This mismatch between what they learned in school and what appeared on the examination makes it harder for them to approach the questions confidently.
For instance, some students noted that topics requiring advanced critical thinking or knowledge from higher levels of study were introduced, causing confusion. Such deviations, whether real or perceived, create a sense of unfairness among students.
3. Higher Standards of Questions
Unlike the traditional curriculum, the Common Core Curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and application-based questions. These types of questions require students to not only memorize facts but also apply them to real-life situations or hypothetical scenarios.
For students who are used to direct or straightforward questions, this shift can be intimidating. It requires not only a deep understanding of the subjects but also the ability to analyze and respond effectively under timed conditions.
Are the Questions Manageable for Well-Prepared Candidates?
While many students expressed their struggles, others who had access to sufficient resources and preparation found the examination manageable. Students who practiced with mock questions designed in line with the Common Core Curriculum reported that the actual exam was less intimidating than they expected.
For instance, some students participated in mock exams organized by private education firms like Education-News Consult. These mock exams, designed to simulate WAEC’s questioning style, helped candidates become familiar with the new system. Interestingly, many of these candidates stated that the mock questions were even more challenging than the actual BECE. This level of preparation boosted their confidence during the exam.
Such success stories highlight that the key to excelling under the Common Core Curriculum is adequate preparation and exposure to the right materials.
Recommendations for Schools and Teachers
To ensure students are adequately prepared for future BECEs, schools and teachers must adopt strategies that address the challenges posed by the new curriculum. Here are some recommendations:
1. Effective Teaching from the Beginning of the Academic Year
Teachers should introduce the Common Core Curriculum’s structure and examination format from the first term. This ensures that students have ample time to adapt to the new system and build their confidence throughout the academic year.
2. Focus on Reading and Comprehension Skills
Students often struggle with interpreting exam questions accurately. Schools should dedicate time to improving students’ reading and comprehension abilities, as these skills are essential for understanding and answering questions effectively.
3. Frequent Mock Examinations
Mock exams should be a regular feature in schools. These assessments should mimic WAEC’s question style and difficulty level, allowing students to practice under similar conditions to the actual BECE. The feedback from these mocks will help students identify their weaknesses and improve over time.
4. Collaborate with Parents
Parents play a critical role in ensuring their children are well-prepared for the BECE. Schools should engage parents, encouraging them to monitor their children’s progress and provide additional support such as extra classes or educational resources.
The Way Forward for 2025 BECE Candidates
The outcome of the BECE plays a significant role in determining students’ placement in Senior High Schools under the Free Senior High School policy. Poor performance can limit their chances of gaining admission into their preferred schools. To address this, all stakeholders—teachers, students, and parents—must take proactive steps.
Teachers’ Role
Teachers must focus on teaching methods that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge. They should also make use of past questions and organize practical lessons to build students’ confidence.
Students’ Role
Students need to dedicate enough time to studying and practicing. They should seek help when they encounter difficulties and participate in mock exams or extra classes. Understanding the structure and requirements of the questions will give them a competitive advantage.
Parents’ Role
Parents should provide the necessary resources to support their children’s education. This could include purchasing relevant textbooks, enrolling them in preparatory programs, and creating a conducive study environment at home.
The introduction of the Common Core Curriculum is a bold step aimed at enhancing education standards in Ghana. By focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world challenges. However, the transition has not been without its difficulties.
While the 2025 BECE presented challenges for many students, it also highlighted the importance of adequate preparation. With proper planning and collaboration between schools, teachers, parents, and students, future candidates can excel under the Common Core system.
The Common Core BECE is not insurmountable. It is a wake-up call for all stakeholders in education to adapt to the changes and equip candidates with the skills they need to succeed. By doing so, we can ensure that every student is prepared to tackle the exams and progress to the next stage of their education confidently.
