General Arts Courses in SHS – UPDATED
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Knowing the General Arts courses in senior high is essential for junior high school candidates who are about to write BECE. This helps you understand the breakdown of various course combinations, BECE requirements and even the various options you can have in the university after you complete SHS.
Most junior high school teachers barely speak on these important indicators but as you aim to go on a great educational path, it is advisable you seek more knowledge on such areas beforehand.
In this post, we will dive into various subjects under General Arts in senior high, BECE requirements and tertiary programmes you can apply with General Arts after SHS.
See Also: Top 10 Category A Schools in Ghana
General Arts Courses in SHS
Below are the various General Arts courses or subjects available in senior high in Ghana
- Christian Religious Studies
Christian Religious Studies (CRS) involves the knowledge and methods to understand the overall background of the development of Christianity and Christian thoughts. CRS also help explain the relationship between the scripture and Christian traditions as well as how it is reflected in the Christian religion. - Elective Mathematics
Elective mathematics is concerned with analogy reasoning, value discrimination, data analysis, and the sharing of one’s thinking through symbolic representation and graphs. Senior High School Elective Mathematics expands on Core Mathematics in Senior High School. - Geography
Geography refers to the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. With Geography, you will be able to explore both the physical properties of Earth’s surface and the human societies spread across it. Geography seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop and change over time. - English Literature
English Literature refers to the study of writings from around the world which are mostly in the English language. Generally, literature refers to different types of text including novels, non-fiction, poetry, and plays, among other forms. - Economics
Economics is defined as “the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.” Economics is concerned with the activities and interactions of economic agents as well as the functioning of economies. - Twi
Twi as a subject under General Arts in SHS is the study of popular the Ghanaian Language spoken by Akans. Mostly Akuapem, Asante or Fante Twi depending on the particular school. - French
French is a language subject which aims to teach senior high students the basics and fundamentals of the French language. This involves how to conjugate, various words and their meanings, forming a sentence and writing in French. - Government
Government as a subject in senior high covers the study of government structures, public policies and behaviours in Ghana and across Africa. you learn the fundamentals of governance, the arms of government and how the country operates with the government in the middle. - History
History refers to the study of how things have changed over time, and it encompasses every facet of human society. History includes political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious, and military advancements. Complex interrelationships between connected components are present in historical processes. - Elective Physics
Physics is the study of the cosmos. It also serves as the foundation for a variety of other sciences, such as chemistry, oceanography, seismology, and astronomy (and can be applied to biology or medical science). - Elective ICT
Information Communication Technology students gain knowledge and skills needed to effectively apply, use and manage technology when solving problems specifically related to information and communication.
What is Course Combination in Senior High?
Course combination in senior high is prepared by Ghana Education Service to offer various options for senior high students under the same programme. For example, if you apply to study General Arts, you may be placed in a class that offers History, Government, Economics and CRS, and there may be others in another class offering Geography, Elective Maths and Elective Physics. Although these are all General Arts classes, students in these two classes are being prepared for different academic and career paths.
Can I Change my Course Combination in Senior High?
You cannot change your course combination in senior high because it is predefined by the Ghana Education Service for all senior high schools in Ghana. However, some schools have different combinations which may favour you the most. You will have to confirm the various course combinations before selecting your desired school for the computerised placement.
Can I Change my Course in SHS?
To change your course in senior high, you may have to write to your assistant headmaster (academics) if you have one or to the headmaster of your school explaining why you need this change. You may be brought in front of a school board to defend your decision and if your academic records permit, you may be granted the chance to join another course.
Alternatively, you can switch schools if you are in your first year and work your way around getting into the new school to study your desired course. You may also be required to have good grades to get you in.
What are the Entry Requirements for Studying General Arts in Senior High?
To study General Arts in senior high, you need to get good grades in your BECE, and at least minimum passes in subjects like Social Studies, English Language and other related subjects.
Another point to note is that you will have to get a better grade to gain admission into various Grade A senior high schools in Ghana.
Can I go to SHS if I failed in BECE?
If you fail in your BECE, you will have to re-write to get a better grade before you get placed into a senior high school. Some private institutions also provide a preschool programme for students who failed in their BECE to learn, re-write and finally gain admission into form 1 in senior high.
Summary
If you want to study General Arts in senior high school, you need to consider the various General Arts courses and their combinations offered in your desired school and the various ways you can further your education afterwards.