Education Always

Level: Senior High School (SHS 1 – 3) | Type: Lesson Notes / Guide | Curriculum: Ghana Education Service (GES / NaCCA)

If you are entering Senior High School in Ghana, or you have a child who is, one of the first questions that comes up is: what are the core subjects in SHS? This guide answers that question clearly, explains what each subject covers, and tells you what to expect in the WASSCE.

What Are Core Subjects in SHS?

In Ghana’s Senior High School system, core subjects are the compulsory subjects that every student must study and write in the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination), regardless of their elective programme. These subjects are the same whether you are in a science, arts, business, or technical school.

Core subjects exist because the Ghana Education Service (GES) believes every SHS graduate should have a solid foundation in English, Mathematics, Science, and the understanding of society before specialising in their chosen field.

There are four core subjects in SHS Ghana:

• English Language
• Core Mathematics
• Integrated Science
• Social Studies

Let us look at each one in detail.

1. English Language

English is the most important core subject in SHS. It is the language of instruction for all your other subjects, and it is tested heavily in the WASSCE. The English Language paper covers:

• Section A – Objective: Grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary questions in multiple-choice format
• Section B – Essay Writing: You choose one composition topic to write on. Types include argumentative, descriptive, narrative, expository, and formal or informal letters.
• Section C – Comprehension and Summary: You read a passage and answer questions, then write a summary.

To do well in English, you need to read widely, practise writing essays, and learn your grammar rules well. Good English grades open more doors for university admission and scholarship applications.

2. Core Mathematics

Core Mathematics is different from Elective Mathematics (also called Further Maths). Core Maths is designed for all students, not just science students. The topics you will study include:

• Number and Numeration (fractions, decimals, percentages, number bases)
• Algebra (linear and quadratic equations, simultaneous equations)
• Geometry and Mensuration (angles, shapes, area, volume)
• Statistics and Probability
• Trigonometry (basic sine, cosine, tangent)
• Vectors and Transformation

Many students fear Core Mathematics, but the truth is that consistent practice is all it takes. WAEC releases past questions every year, and working through them regularly is the best preparation you can do.

3. Integrated Science

Integrated Science at SHS level combines elements of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science into one subject. It is not as deep as the individual elective science subjects, but it covers a broad range of important concepts. Topics include:

• Living and non-living things
• Cell biology and reproduction
• Chemical reactions and the periodic table
• Forces, energy, and motion
• The environment and pollution
• Health, nutrition, and disease

For science students who are also studying Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as electives, Integrated Science may feel repetitive in places. But the subject does require its own focused preparation because the way questions are asked in the WASSCE is different from the elective papers.

4. Social Studies

Social Studies at SHS level builds on what you studied in JHS. It looks at Ghana and the world from a social, political, economic, and cultural angle. Key topics include:

• Ghana’s history and cultural heritage
• Government and the constitution
• Economic systems and development
• Population and urbanisation
• Environmental issues
• Regional and international organisations (ECOWAS, African Union, United Nations)
• Social issues: family, gender, human rights

Social Studies is a subject many students underestimate. Because it involves a lot of reading and writing, strong students in English tend to find it more manageable. If you understand the concepts well and can write clearly, Social Studies is one of the subjects where you can score very high.

Core Subjects vs Elective Subjects: What Is the Difference?

Your WASSCE aggregate score is calculated from your best 6 subjects: usually 3 core and 3 elective subjects. The better your grades across all 6, the lower your aggregate number, and the better your chances of getting into a university programme of your choice.

Popular SHS Programmes and Their Elective Subjects

While the 4 core subjects remain the same for everyone, the elective subjects differ by programme. Here is a quick overview:

• General Science: Elective Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• General Arts: Literature in English, History, Economics, Government, French, etc.
• Business: Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Elective Mathematics
• Visual Arts: Graphic Design, Textiles, Ceramics, Picture Making
• Technical: Technical Drawing, Auto Mechanics, Electronics, etc.
• Home Economics: Food and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles, Management in Living
• Agricultural Science: Animal Husbandry, Crop Husbandry and Horticulture, etc.

Why Your Core Subject Grades Matter

Universities in Ghana (and the KNUST, UG, UCC admissions process) require a minimum grade in core subjects. Most competitive programmes require at least a grade C6 in English and Mathematics. Some programmes require B3 or higher. If you fail any core subject or score very poorly, it can disqualify you from university admission entirely, even if your elective grades are strong.

This is why no matter what programme you are doing, you must take your core subjects seriously from day one of SHS 1.

Quick Practice Questions on SHS Core Subjects

Test yourself with these questions. Click “Reveal Answer” when you are ready to check.

Related topics: JHS Social Studies: The Three Arms of Government in Ghana | WASSCE Preparation | SHS English Language Notes