what are the main stages of education in ghana
Education in Ghana The Ghanaian education system is divided in three parts: "Basic Education", secondary cycle and tertiary Education. "Basic Education" lasts 11 years(Age 4-15), is free and compulsory.[48] It is divided into Kindergarten(2 years), primary school(2 modules of 3 years) and Junior High school(3 years). The junior high school(JHS) ends on the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).[48][49] Once the BECE achieved, the pupil can pursue into secondary cycle.[50] Secondary cycle can be either general (assumed by Senior High School) or vocational(assumed by technical Senior High School, Technical and vocational Institutes and a massive private and informal offer). Senior High school lasts three years and ends on the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Other secondary institutions leads to various certifications and diplomas. Tertiary education is basically divided into university (academic education) and Polytechnics(vocational education). The WASSCE is needed to join a university bachelor's degree program.[51]A bachelor's degree lasts 4 years and can be followed by a 1 or 2 year Master. The student is then free to start a Phd, usually completed in 3 years.[52] Polytechnics are opened to vocational students, from SHS or from TVI.[53] A Polytechnic curriculum lasts 2 to 3 years.[53] Ghana also possesses numerous colleges of education.[54] New tertiary education graduates have to serve one year within the National Service Scheme.[55][56] The Ghanaian education system from Kindergarten up to an undergraduate degree level takes 20 years.[57]
Climate of Ghana The climate of Ghana is tropical and there are two main seasons: the wet and the dry seasons.[3] North Ghana experiences its rainy season from March to November while South Ghana experiences its rainy season from April to mid-November.[3] The tropical climate of Ghana is relatively mild for its latitude.[3] The harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows in north-east Ghana from December to March, lowering the humidity and causing hotter days and cooler nights in northern part of Ghana.[3] Average daily temperatures range from 30°C (86°F) during the day to 24°C (75°F) at night with a relative humidity between 77 percent and 85 percent.[4] In the northern part of Ghana, there are two rainy seasons: April through June and September through November.[4] Squalls occur in the northern part of Ghana during March and April, followed by occasional rain until August and September, when the rainfall reaches its peak.[4] Rainfall ranges from 78 to 216 centimeters (31 to 85 inches) a year.[4]