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Set realistic BECE grade targets for Basic 9. So that they can have a destination, a target, a vision, or a goal in mind because you cannot start a journey without knowing exactly where you are going.

Setting clear, achievable academic goals can be the game-changer for Basic 9 students striving for top grades. But what if students, teachers, and schools aligned their goals to create a support network for success? In this guide, we’ll explore a unique strategy for setting grade targets that keeps everyone accountable and motivated. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or student, read on to discover how you can implement this approach to maximise potential and reach optimal grades with your school. Students, teachers, and schools must set BECE result goals at least 6 months before the examination and work collectively towards the goals set. In this post we share a challenge students, teachers, and schools to tap into this important aspect, which is lacking in nearly all schools across Ghana.

Why Setting Grade Targets Matters for Students and Teachers

In every workplace where productivity is key, the absence of goals or targets can lead to unproductive workouts and an overly relaxed work environment where workers know they will be paid even if they are not productive. In the school environment and the preparation of BECE candidates for the WAEC-administered examination, schools that are hungry for success cannot prepare candidates without targets and goals from students, teachers, and the school to guide everyone’s effort towards goal congruence.

Goal setting is an important step to academic success, particularly for Basic 9 students as they prepare for critical exams.

When students are guided to set realistic and achievable grade targets and goals, they can be inspired to work hard toward it even as the teachers and school also work hard to help learners at the same time reminding each other of their roles in achieving the set goals.

When collectively schools guide and support their stakeholders to set academic goals, these goals will foster accountability, motivation, and a collaborative spirit between students and teachers.

Step 1: Creating Individual Grade Targets for Each Subject

Schools and teachers should hold a brief meeting where all the teachers and learners will be present. At this meeting, the leader should explain the purpose of the gathering, which is to help students set BECE result targets for each of the 10 subjects.

Make it clear that you do not want to see anything like grades 4 and 5 for any subject.

Instruct students to write down their desired grade for each subject on a sheet of paper, listing them vertically.

They should have their names on the sheets. The school can provide plain sheets or ruled line sheets for this activity.

Explain why visualising their goals can reinforce commitment and make progress more tangible. When students know that they have contributed to setting their own performance targets, they will be committed to working towards the grade.

Step 2: Teachers Set Their Expectations

The leadership of the school must now turn to teachers and encourage teachers to reflect on their efforts and set achievable target grades for each student. Teachers who set low grade targets of anything from grade 4 for a student are a red flag teacher who must be monitored. Such persons may not be ready to commit to their work and go the extra mile to help students excel.

The teachers must also outline ten things they will do differently or improve on to help candidates get ready for the BECE and excel with good grades. This will show how the teacher plans to achieve the set goals.

READ: 2024 BECE Graudates and Parents Invade Free SHS Secretariat Over Self-Placement Challenges

Step 3: School-level adjustment of projected grades

1. • A. Reducing Certain Grades for a Realistic Projection

     At the school level, the leader or head teacher should also set his or her target for each student and commit resources towards achieving this feat. In the end, all the goals should feed into the school goal. This bottom-up approach should ensure that everyone in the preparation chain commits to the targets.

   • B. Rejecting Grades Above 5

     The school should reject any grade from 4 for all subjects. Emphasise why any projected grade above “5” should be eliminated, as it may indicate that extra support or alternative strategies are needed for those students.

   • Displaying target grades for accountability
     Post the final projected grades (from students, teachers, and the school) in common areas like the classroom and staff room.
   • Highlight the benefits of this visible reminder, which keeps students and teachers focused on these shared goals and fosters a supportive learning environment.The Outcome: How A Collaborative Approach Transforms Student Performance
     • The leadership of the school and teachers at their levels should describe how this method can improve students’ confidence and performance by giving them realistic goals and a network of support.
     • Offer insights into how this approach encourages teamwork and accountability, ultimately helping the school track academic progress more effectively.

READ: How to prepare 2025 BECE candidates for better grades

If a school cannot go through this process to set targets and hold learners, teachers, and the school accountable, then that school is not ready for excellent results.