The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the revised academic calendar for the 2024/2025 academic year for Senior High and Senior High Technical Schools (SHS/SHTS) operating under the Single Track system. This update comes as part of efforts to streamline academic operations, ensure adequate instructional time, and prepare students adequately for national assessments.
In this article, we’re zooming in on the academic calendar for Form 2 (SHS 2) students in Single Track schools. Here’s everything you need to know—from reopening dates to term breaks and total weeks of learning.
SHS 2 Academic Calendar – Key Details
The academic year for SHS 2 students will span from 30th October 2024 to 19th September 2025, with two instructional sessions separated by a mid-year break.
Semester 1
- Reopening Date: 30th October 2024
- Closing Date: 5th March 2025
- Duration: 18 weeks of academic work
Students begin their second year of SHS education at the end of October. The first session includes the Christmas break from 20th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025, after which classes resume. This semester lays the academic foundation for the year, focusing on subject content coverage and internal assessments.
Mid-Year Break
- Start of Break: 6th March 2025
- End of Break: 22nd April 2025
- Duration: About 7 weeks
After completing the first session, SHS 2 students go on a substantial break. This period offers students time to refresh, revise their first semester lessons, and prepare ahead for a longer second session.
Semester 2
- Resumption Date: 23rd April 2025
- Closing Date: 19th September 2025
- Duration: 21 weeks of academic instruction
This second session is crucial, as it builds toward the transition into Form 3. Teachers will delve deeper into core and elective subjects, with continuous assessments and projects playing a vital role in student evaluation. With 21 full weeks, this term is longer and more rigorous, ensuring students have adequate time for learning and preparation.
Academic Year Summary for SHS 2 (Single Track)
| Semester 1 Starts | 30th October 2024 |
| Christmas Break | 20th Dec. 2024 – 2nd Jan. 2025 |
| Semester 1 Ends | 5th Mar. 2025 |
| Mid-Year Break | 6th Mar. – 22nd April 2025 |
| Semester 2 Resumes | 23rd April 2025 |
| Academic Year Ends | 19th Sept. 2025 |
Instructional Time Breakdown
- Semester 1: 18 weeks
- Semester 2: 21 weeks
- Total Weeks in School: 39 weeks
This ensures students get ample learning time while maintaining sufficient rest periods for rejuvenation and self-study.
Tips for SHS 2 Students and Parents
For Students:
- Treat your second year seriously — it sets the stage for WASSCE prep.
- Use the long mid-year break wisely by revising and planning ahead.
- Stay consistent with attendance and assignments.
For Parents:
- Mark the key dates on your calendar to plan family activities and financial support.
- Monitor your child’s academic progress and stay in contact with school authorities.
- Encourage the use of vacation periods for revision and academic reinforcement.
Final Words
This revised calendar provides structure, clarity, and balance to the academic journey of SHS 2 students under the Single Track system. By following it closely, both students and schools can optimize teaching and learning outcomes for the year.
For updates on school placements, academic policy changes, and GES directives, keep checking back regularly. Don’t forget to share this post with students, parents, and teachers so everyone is well-informed and ready for the academic year ahead!
Source: GESHub.org
