The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced the marking dates for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The Ghana Education Service has also revealed that students advancing to Senior High School (SHS1) from the 2024 BECE will commence their term one of the 2024-2025 academic year on September 27, 2024.

Key Dates for BECE Marking

The marking of the BECE scripts will follow a structured timeline:

• Regional Coordination: The regional coordination for the marking took place from August 7 to August 9, 2024. This crucial phase helped finalize the marking schemes and set the stage for nationwide grading.
• Nationwide Marking: The comprehensive nationwide marking of BECE scripts began on August 10, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on August 21, 2024. This 12-day period is essential for ensuring accurate and fair assessment of all scripts.

Understanding the 2024 BECE Grading System

The BECE grading system in Ghana evaluates student performance on a scale from 1 to 9:

• Grade 1 (80 – 100%): Excellent
• Grade 2 (70 – 79%): Very Good
• Grade 3 (60 – 69%): Good
• Grade 4 (55 – 59%): Credit
• Grade 5 (50 – 54%): Credit
• Grade 6 (45 – 49%): Credit
• Grade 7 (40 – 44%): Pass
• Grade 8 (35 – 39%): Pass
• Grade 9 (0 – 34%): Fail

Key Points in the Grading System:

• Grades 1 to 6: These are considered pass grades.
• Grades 7 and 8: While these are also pass grades, they may not meet the criteria for admission into highly competitive senior high schools.
• Grade 9: A fail grade, which may necessitate retaking the exam or exploring other educational pathways.

Impact of Scoring Grade 9

Students scoring a Grade 9 in Mathematics or English Language will not be placed into any secondary school by the Ghana Education Service (GES). This policy has been in effect for the past seven years. For example, if a student achieves Grade 1 in all subjects but scores Grade 9 in Mathematics or English Language, they will not receive a school placement. Conversely, a student scoring Grade 7 in all subjects, including Grade 8 in Mathematics or English Language, will still be placed in a school.

Next Steps for BECE Candidates

Following the end of the marking period, school selection will commence on August 23, 2024. Students are expected to begin their secondary education on September 27, 2024.

As the BECE marking process unfolds, candidates are encouraged to remain hopeful and prepared for the upcoming stages of their educational journey.

For more details and updates, keep an eye on official announcements from WAEC and the Ghana Education Service.