Evaluation of the general aims of the senior high school english language curriculum: the perspectives of graduates of senior high schools

Abstract

The study evaluated the general aims of the Senior High School English language curriculum from the perspective of graduates of Senior High Schools in tertiary institutions and those working in private basic schools and micro finance companies in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The research design was descriptive survey. Out of a population of 8070 graduates, 400 graduates in tertiary institutions and 70 graduates at work places totaling 470 were used. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Data from the graduates were collected through the use of questionnaire, analysed through the use of descriptive statistics, and presented in mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that the general aims of the Senior High School English language curriculum were partially achieved. Prevailing evidence shows that these graduates of Senior High Schools were prepared for both higher education and the job market. From the data gathered, it was concluded, among others, that this curriculum had not developed creativity in its graduates and had not improved their communicative competence. It was recommended that the teaching of English language should be made more practical to help to improve students‟ communicative competence and develop their creative potentials