Government plans BECE timetable overhaul to reduce student stress

The government is reviewing the timetable for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in a move aimed at reducing pressure on candidates and improving preparation time between examination papers.

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced the proposed changes during a visit to Aburi Girls' Senior High School on Wednesday, saying the current examination structure places unnecessary stress on students.

The BECE is currently conducted over five consecutive days, from Monday to Friday. However, Mr Iddrisu said concerns raised by candidates and stakeholders had prompted a review of the examination calendar.

"I understand that our schedule of the exams for BECE was just Monday to Friday, and that put many of you under some stress," he said.

Under the proposed arrangement, the examination will begin on a Wednesday and conclude the following Wednesday, creating longer intervals between papers and incorporating a weekend break during the examination period.

According to the minister, the additional time will allow candidates to better prepare for subsequent papers and ease the pressure associated with writing multiple examinations within a short period.

"The government is reviewing the BECE exams calendar. So now the BECE will begin on a Wednesday and end the following Wednesday, so that adequate time is given to our learners to prepare for BECE across the country," he said.

Mr Iddrisu said the revised timetable forms part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes and support students during one of the most important examinations in the country's education system.

He added that the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service will oversee the implementation of the new timetable once the review process has been completed and approved.

The proposed changes are expected to affect BECE candidates nationwide and are intended to provide a more learner-friendly examination schedule while maintaining academic standards.