Accra: The Ghana Education Service (GES) organized a two-day training workshop for Senior High School (SHS) Visual Arts teachers in the Volta Region, aimed at preparing them for the implementation of the revised national curriculum.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training was conducted in collaboration with the Arts Teachers Association of Ghana (ATAG) and supported by Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL). It brought together Visual Arts teachers from 24 SHSs and focused on rubric development, modern assessment methods, and grading techniques that align with 21st-century learning standards.
Professor Ebenezer Acquah, a lead facilitator, highlighted that the previous curriculum, established in 1987, had become obsolete due to technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) changing the learning landscape. He noted that the old curriculum was repetitive and did not adequately prepare students for modern creative industries.
Supporting this perspective, fellow facilitator Mr. Donkor emphasized that the goals of the 1987 curriculum were unmet. The revised curriculum aims to foster students' creative capacities and enrich their overall learning experiences by streamlining the 10 existing skill-based topics into two core courses: Arts Foundation and Arts and Design Studio.
Mr. Francis Yao Agbemadi, the Volta Regional Director of Education, commended the participants and encouraged them to embrace the reforms. He announced plans to distribute learner tablets to SHS students in the region, addressing the lack of ICT facilities in some schools.
The workshop included hands-on training in developing problem-based test items and practical rubrics for improved student assessment in Visual Arts. Participants also discussed the increased workload associated with the new curriculum compared to its predecessor.
ATAG officials emphasized that the updated curriculum would align Ghana's Visual Arts education with global best practices, better preparing students for careers in the creative sector. Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and committed to applying the new teaching strategies in their classrooms.
Officials confirmed that similar training sessions would soon be conducted in other districts, including Akatsi, Kpando, and Hohoe.
