The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially released the revised 2024/2025 academic calendar for Senior High Schools (SHS) operating under the Single Track system. This update is particularly important for Form 3 (SHS 3) students, who are in their final year and preparing to sit for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
If you’re a final year student, parent, or teacher, this blog post breaks down the entire SHS 3 academic year, including key dates for school sessions, breaks, and the all-important WASSCE examination period.
Overview of the 2024/25 SHS 3 Academic Year (Single Track)
The academic year for Single Track SHS 3 students runs from 30th October 2024 to 19th September 2025, during which students will complete their classroom instruction and sit for the 2025 WASSCE.
This calendar is specially structured to allow for adequate teaching, revision time, and exam preparation, while also observing important breaks throughout the academic year.
Semester 1
- Reopening Date: 30th October 2024
- Closing Date: 5th March 2025
- Duration: 18 weeks
This is the first academic session for the final year students. It includes full academic work, internal assessments, and project work. It also includes a Christmas Break from 20th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025, allowing students and teachers time for rest before resuming studies.
Mid-Year Break
- Start of Break: 6th March 2025
- End of Break: 22nd April 2025
- Duration: Approximately 7 weeks
After 18 weeks of academic activity, SHS 3 students will go on break to rest and recharge. This is also a great time for students to revise, work on weak areas, and begin light preparations for the second semester and upcoming exams.
Semester 2
- Resumption Date: 23rd April 2025
- Closing Date: 19th September 2025
- Duration: 21 weeks
The second session is the final stretch for SHS 3 students. During this period, there will be final revisions, mock examinations, and other forms of academic support to prepare students for the WASSCE. Most importantly, the WASSCE exams will take place during this semester, running concurrently with school attendance for much of the time.
2025 WASSCE Examination Period
- Start Date: 4th August 2025
- End Date: 19th September 2025
- Duration: 6+ weeks
According to the revised calendar, SHS 3 students under the Single Track system will sit for the 2025 WASSCE starting from Monday, 4th August 2025, and ending on Friday, 19th September 2025. This period also doubles as the final revision and prep time.
Students are expected to be in school during this time, receiving support from teachers, attending final tutorials, and sitting for their actual exams.
Summary of SHS 3 Academic Calendar (Single Track)
| Semester 1 Starts | 30th October 2024 |
| Christmas Break | 20th Dec. 2024 – 2nd Jan. 2025 |
| Semester 1 Ends | 5th March 2025 |
| Mid-Year Break | 6th March – 22nd April 2025 |
| Semester 2 Begins | 23rd April 2025 |
| WASSCE Begins | 4th August 2025 |
| WASSCE Ends / Academic Year Ends | 19th September 2025 |
Total Instructional Time
- Semester 1: 18 weeks
- Semester 2: 21 weeks
- Total Weeks in School: 39 weeks
This provides students with ample time for both learning and thorough exam preparation, ensuring they are well-equipped for their final national assessments.
What SHS 3 Students Should Focus On
1. Academic Excellence
Use the first semester to cover your syllabi and identify areas of weakness.
2. Smart Revision
Take advantage of the mid-year break and second semester to revise strategically and practice past WASSCE questions.
3. Exam Discipline
The WASSCE is a high-stakes exam. Attend all school-led tutorials and stay disciplined throughout the exam season.
Final Note
The revised calendar reflects GES’s commitment to a structured and efficient academic year for SHS 3 students, especially with WASSCE on the horizon. Heads of schools, teachers, students, and parents are urged to follow this calendar strictly to ensure maximum preparation and success.
For more updates on WASSCE, SHS placements, and GES announcements, stay tuned to our platform. Share this with other final-year students and parents to help them stay informed and ready for the 2025 WASSCE journey!
Source: GESHub.org
