General Arts

Programme Overview

The General Arts programme is a three-year senior high school curriculum designed to provide students with broad knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and languages. Offered under the WASSCE framework, this programme prepares students for careers in law, journalism, public administration, diplomacy, education, social work, and humanities-based disciplines, as well as progression to tertiary studies in related fields. It emphasizes critical thinking, communication, historical perspective, and social understanding.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Develop proficiency in language communication (English and elective languages)
Foster understanding of historical, cultural, and social phenomena
Build critical thinking and analytical skills in humanities contexts
Provide foundational knowledge in government, economics, and social systems
Prepare students for WASSCE examination success
Cultivate appreciation for literature, culture, and human expression
Enable progression to tertiary-level studies in Law, Education, Journalism, History, Philosophy, Public Administration, and Social Sciences
Develop skills for careers in public service, civil administration, and community engagement

Practical Learning Components

The programme integrates experiential learning through:

Essay writing and literary analysis projects
Debate and public speaking competitions
Research projects on historical and social topics
Field trips to historical sites, museums, and governmental institutions
Mock government/parliament sessions
Newspaper and media production activities
Guest lectures from lawyers, journalists, historians, and public servants
Engagement with current affairs and contemporary social issues
Community service and civic participation projects

Career Pathways and Opportunities

Immediate Post-Secondary:

Administrative Officer (Government/NGO)
Journalist or Media Practitioner
Community Development Officer
Customer Service Representative
Secretary or Office Manager
Sales and Marketing Representative
Tourism Officer or Guide
Civil Service Assistant

Tertiary Education Routes:

Bachelor's degree in Law, Education, Journalism, History, English Literature, or Philosophy
Diploma programmes in Public Administration, Social Work, Tourism, or Hospitality
Teacher training programmes (leading to teaching careers)
Programmes in Diplomacy, International Relations, or Political Science
Social Sciences, Humanities, or Liberal Arts degrees

Professional Sectors:

Law firms and legal services
Media houses, journalism, and publishing
Government ministries and civil service
Educational institutions (teaching and administration)
Non-governmental and international organizations
Diplomatic and foreign service
Tourism and hospitality industries
Social work and community development
Public relations and communications
Cultural and heritage institutions

Entry Requirements

Completion of Junior High School (JHS) with satisfactory performance
Strong performance in English Language at the JHS level
Interest in social sciences, humanities, and language studies
Good communication and writing skills

Assessment and Certification

Students sit for WASSCE examinations at the end of the three-year programme in their chosen subjects. Strong performance in English Language and related humanities subjects is recognized for university admission and access to professional qualification programmes in law, teaching, and public service.

Core subjects

Subject combinations

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Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

Option 5

Option 6