The Executive Director for the Institute For Educational Studies (IFEST) Mr. Peter Anti Partey has described the introduction of the double track system into the free Senior High School Education as a fantastic idea.
Speaking in an interview with Samuel Kojo Brace on Skyy Power FM’s Jolly Breakfast Show, Mr. Peter Anti indicated that the double-track system has been used all over the world as a gap in solving problems.
He indicates that the double-track system was never a bad choice, and the government must be applauded for that.
“The double-track has not been permanent anywhere, we all knew this from day one. But it has so far been the most fantastic idea in the education system that has been used to solve emergency problems.
So it was never a bad choice looking at the problems it has solved”. Mr. Peter Anti noted.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced the abolishing of the double-track education system that was implemented alongside the rising enrolment with the Free Senior High School Policy. The President in his 21st address to the nation to update the public on measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic disclosed that the full reopening of schools and the completion of major educational infrastructure projects had provided the right condition to suspend the implementation of the double-track program. He however noted that the program would remain in force for second-year students, as they reopen on January 18, 2021.
“All SHS 1 students will start classes from 10 March, with all students embarking on a single track calendar. Their seniors in SHS 2 and 3 will, however, return to school on 18 January. I must stress that SHS 3 students in all schools like SHS 1 students will no longer run the double-track system”. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo noted.
Mr. Peter anti indicated that the NPP government has been building schools within the existing facilities, and this could be the reason why the double-track system is being ended. He says there have been several expansion projects to provide enough space for the students.
“By this time they have looked at the numbers that will be entering the various Senior High Schools and I’m sure they are certain the numbers will be able to occupy the various space available.
The NPP took a different approach by building schools within schools, instead of building new schools. So I think that is the reason why the schools are now expanded to stop the double-track”. Mr. Peter Anti noted.
Mr. Peter Anti advised the government to ensure the needed protocols are adhered to as schools are being reopened after a long break.