Impact of frequent festive breaks on BECE preparation: Adjust date

In Ghana, festive breaks are an integral part of the cultural calendar, providing students with opportunities to relax, rejuvenate and engage with their communities.

However, the frequency and timing of these breaks can have a significant impact on students' academic performance, particularly in high-stakes examinations like the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The BECE is a critical examination in the Ghanaian education system, determining students' eligibility for senior high school education.

The examination is a culmination of students' learning experiences in junior high school, and its results have a significant impact on their future academic and career prospects.

Regular breaks can disrupt the continuity of learning, making it challenging for students to maintain momentum and stay focused on their studies. Festive breaks can lead to a loss of knowledge retention, particularly if students are not engaged in learning activities during the breaks.

The proximity of BECE dates to festive breaks can exacerbate stress and anxiety among students, potentially affecting their performance.

Given the potential impact of festive breaks on BECE preparation, it may be necessary to adjust the examination date to ensure that students have adequate time to prepare.

Specifically, I recommend that the West African Examinations Council, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) consider moving the date for the BECE from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to Monday, June 16, 2025.

This adjustment would provide students with additional time to prepare and potentially improve their performance.

Also, in the future, authorities should set examination dates devoid of festive breaks.

Maclean Y. K Mensah,
Head, Oriens School-Kasoa.
E-mail: macleanmensah67@yahoo.com