The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the revised 2024/25 academic calendar for Single Track Senior High Schools (SHS/SHTS) — and while much of the spotlight has been on final-year students preparing for WASSCE, there’s important information every Form 1 (SHS 1) student needs to know.
This blog post focuses exclusively on the SHS 1 calendar under the Single Track system, offering an in-depth breakdown of key dates, the number of weeks in school, holidays, and what to expect throughout the academic year.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know.
Who Are Single Track SHS 1 Students?
SHS 1 students (Form 1s) admitted into Single Track schools follow a continuous academic calendar without the shift-based scheduling used in the Double Track system. This means all students report to school at once, follow a unified term calendar, and benefit from consistent instruction without alternating vacations.
Overview: SHS 1 Single Track Academic Calendar (2024/25)
The SHS 1 academic year spans from 30th October 2024 to 19th September 2025, divided into two main school sessions with a significant break in between.
Semester 1
- Start Date: 30th October 2024
- End Date: 5th March 2025
- Duration: 18 weeks
During this first phase, students will cover foundational topics in both core and elective subjects. This period includes the Christmas break from 20th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025, after which classes resume until the term ends in March.
Mid-Year Break
- Break Period: 6th March – 22nd April 2025
- Duration: Approximately 7 weeks
This is the longest break in the academic year, allowing students time to rest, review their first term work, and prepare for the second term.
Semester 2
- Start Date: 23rd April 2025
- End Date: 19th September 2025
- Duration: 21 weeks
The second and final session is an extended instructional period. It allows ample time for academic coverage, internal assessments, projects, and co-curricular activities. This phase wraps up the academic year.
Summary of Key Dates for SHS 1 (Single Track)
| School Reopens | 30th October 2024 |
| Christmas Break | 20th Dec. 2024 – 2nd Jan. 2025 |
| First Session Ends | 5th March 2025 |
| Mid-Year Break | 6th March – 22nd April 2025 |
| Second Session Begins | 23rd April 2025 |
| Academic Year Ends | 19th September 2025 |
Total Weeks in School
- Semester 1: 18 weeks
- Semester 2: 21 weeks
- Total: 39 weeks of academic instruction
This gives students a solid learning timeframe, allowing effective academic engagement and preparation for the next level.
Advice for SHS 1 Students and Parents
For Students:
- Be punctual and committed from the first day.
- Take advantage of the long break to revise and reinforce your learning.
- Participate in school activities and assessments — they matter!
For Parents:
- Take note of all term dates and plan accordingly.
- Monitor your ward’s academic progress and well-being.
- Provide the needed learning materials and support, especially before the second session begins.
Final Note
The GES has put this revised academic calendar in place to maximize instructional time and ensure consistency across schools. As a Form 1 student in a Single Track SHS/SHTS, this calendar provides clear guidance on your academic year, helping you stay on track and succeed.
Stay tuned for more updates on BECE placements, school reopening dates, and GES announcements. Share this post with friends, classmates, and parents so they’re informed and prepared!
Source: GESHub.org
