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Revisiting the Academic Calendar for Basic Schools in Ghana: A Position Paper on Extending the First-Term Vacation

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Title: Revisiting the Academic Calendar for Basic Schools in Ghana: A Position Paper on Extending the First-Term Vacation
Language: English
Authors: Isaac Bengre Taley, Augustina Azumbila
Source: African Educational Research Journal. 2025 13(1):46-51.
Availability: Net Journals. 25 Akintola Road, Sapele, Delta State, 331107, Nigeria. e-mail: service@netjournals.org; Web site: https://www.netjournals.org/aer_index.html
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 6
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, School Schedules, Vacations, Elementary Secondary Education, Cultural Activities, Agricultural Production, Time Management, Environmental Influences, Attendance, Attendance Patterns, Student Welfare, Cultural Influences, Rural Urban Differences
Geographic Terms: Ghana
ISSN: 2354-2160
Abstract: This position paper proposes a revisiting of the academic calendar for Ghanaian basic schools, emphasising the need to extend the first-trimester vacation period to better align with sociocultural, economic, and environmental realities. The current first vacation, which runs from late December to early January, overlaps with festive events, farming requirements, and the harmattan season. However, its present duration of roughly 18 days has been found inadequate for sufficient rest and recuperation for students and teachers, while also creating challenges for families and teachers in farming communities. The suggested modification extends the first-trimester vacation until the third week of January, addressing several crucial issues: (1) Sociocultural Demands: Ghanaian festive customs require substantial family and community participation, leaving little time for recuperation and preparation for the subsequent term; (2) Agricultural Responsibilities: The dry season is critical for harvesting in farming areas where children and teachers often balance educational and farming duties; (3) Environmental Challenges: Severe harmattan conditions disrupt school attendance and learning, particularly in early January; and (4) Financial Strain: Families experience economic strain following festive expenditures, causing delays in school readiness for numerous pupils. To preserve the 42 weeks of instructional time, the third-trimester vacation was reduced by two weeks. This balanced adjustment ensures curriculum delivery is not compromised while addressing the unique requirements of stakeholders across urban and rural areas. The recommendations include testing the revised calendar in chosen districts, seeking stakeholder feedback, and announcing changes well in advance to facilitate smooth implementation. In summary, the proposed alterations aim to boost school attendance, enhance learning outcomes, and foster the well-being of Ghana's educational community, reflecting a more responsive and inclusive approach to academic scheduling.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1468864
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Revisiting the Academic Calendar for Basic Schools in Ghana: A Position Paper on Extending the First-Term Vacation
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Isaac+Bengre+Taley%22">Isaac Bengre Taley</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Augustina+Azumbila%22">Augustina Azumbila</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22African+Educational+Research+Journal%22"><i>African Educational Research Journal</i></searchLink>. 2025 13(1):46-51.
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  Data: Net Journals. 25 Akintola Road, Sapele, Delta State, 331107, Nigeria. e-mail: service@netjournals.org; Web site: https://www.netjournals.org/aer_index.html
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22School+Schedules%22">School Schedules</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Vacations%22">Vacations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Elementary+Secondary+Education%22">Elementary Secondary Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cultural+Activities%22">Cultural Activities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Agricultural+Production%22">Agricultural Production</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Time+Management%22">Time Management</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Environmental+Influences%22">Environmental Influences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Attendance%22">Attendance</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Attendance+Patterns%22">Attendance Patterns</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Welfare%22">Student Welfare</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cultural+Influences%22">Cultural Influences</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Rural+Urban+Differences%22">Rural Urban Differences</searchLink>
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  Data: This position paper proposes a revisiting of the academic calendar for Ghanaian basic schools, emphasising the need to extend the first-trimester vacation period to better align with sociocultural, economic, and environmental realities. The current first vacation, which runs from late December to early January, overlaps with festive events, farming requirements, and the harmattan season. However, its present duration of roughly 18 days has been found inadequate for sufficient rest and recuperation for students and teachers, while also creating challenges for families and teachers in farming communities. The suggested modification extends the first-trimester vacation until the third week of January, addressing several crucial issues: (1) Sociocultural Demands: Ghanaian festive customs require substantial family and community participation, leaving little time for recuperation and preparation for the subsequent term; (2) Agricultural Responsibilities: The dry season is critical for harvesting in farming areas where children and teachers often balance educational and farming duties; (3) Environmental Challenges: Severe harmattan conditions disrupt school attendance and learning, particularly in early January; and (4) Financial Strain: Families experience economic strain following festive expenditures, causing delays in school readiness for numerous pupils. To preserve the 42 weeks of instructional time, the third-trimester vacation was reduced by two weeks. This balanced adjustment ensures curriculum delivery is not compromised while addressing the unique requirements of stakeholders across urban and rural areas. The recommendations include testing the revised calendar in chosen districts, seeking stakeholder feedback, and announcing changes well in advance to facilitate smooth implementation. In summary, the proposed alterations aim to boost school attendance, enhance learning outcomes, and foster the well-being of Ghana's educational community, reflecting a more responsive and inclusive approach to academic scheduling.
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      – Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 6
        StartPage: 46
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: School Schedules
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Vacations
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Elementary Secondary Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cultural Activities
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Agricultural Production
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Time Management
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Environmental Influences
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Attendance
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Attendance Patterns
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      – SubjectFull: Student Welfare
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      – SubjectFull: Cultural Influences
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      – SubjectFull: Rural Urban Differences
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      – SubjectFull: Ghana
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      – TitleFull: Revisiting the Academic Calendar for Basic Schools in Ghana: A Position Paper on Extending the First-Term Vacation
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