Introduction Of The Two Track System Of Admitting Students Into SHS

NEWS COMMANTARY ON THE TWO TRACK SYSTEM FOR NEW ENTRANTS INTO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE 2018/2019 ACADEMIC YEAR

Over the years, the country’s students' population has been increasing at a faster rate than available infrastructure. With the introduction of the Free SHS, more students are expected to take advantage of the system to find themselves in schools. The 2018/2019 academic year will see an increase of 31 percent in the number of students entering SHS. The situation has created a problem, which if not immediately dealt with in a pragmatic manner, will make it difficult for many qualified students to be in school. The new dual system is therefore a creative and innovative way by government to address the challenge and make it possible to accommodate the increasing student population.

Under the new system, students in SHS two and three will continue with the normal system but run a semester system just like the universities. For first year students now entering the SHS, the huge numbers will be grouped into two with one group starting the programme for eight weeks in a semester and breaking for holidays to enable the other group also be in school for the same period. The two groups will then alternate again before coming together at the end of the semester to write their exams. The new system is a temporary one, meant to operate for about five to seven years, under which government will put up enough infrastructural facilities to enable the educational system revert to a single intake system as operating now. The new system will reduce sizes of classes and at the same time, increase contact hours for learning. The question that arises is, is it prudent to continue with the current system and exclude a large number of students from accessing Senior High education build enough infrastructural facilities are built for schools? Or adopt the dual intake system as a temporary measure to address the challenge to give a breathing space to build more educational infrastructure? Certainly, the second option, which is making use of the dual system to cater for all the children, is preferable to ensure fairness and equity to the young students. There is no doubt that this new system will put pressure on teachers working in the schools. This shows that if nothing is done about this problem the programme may not succeed. It is therefore welcoming news to note that to address this problem, the system is going to see to the recruitment of 8,000 more teachers this year than were available last year. It is also heartwarming to note that those who have applied to be involved in NABCO, but have teaching background, will also be used to supplement the efforts of teachers to address the concerns of weak students. 

The Dual Intake System is a temporary measure aimed at addressing the challenge of inadequate infrastructure. Thus, it is necessary to come together to support government to ensure a successful implementation of the programme. This means that headmasters and other educational officials need to show greater commitment in the interest of our young ones. Parents must also be given more education and sensitisation to make them appreciate the dual intake system. The problems in the educational system constitute a critical issue that must be tackled, so total support is needed to overcome the challenges. 

BY: DR. KOFI AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, GHANA STANDARDS AUTHORITY.
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