Key takeaways
- Before BECE, create a study plan, practice with past questions, and take mock exams seriously.
- Refrain from last-minute cramming and don’t rely on apor.
- Before starting the exam, read all instructions carefully, allocate time for each question, and adhere to the exam time limits.
- Stay calm during the exam, write legibly, and review your work afterward to minimise errors.
Like all examinations, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) can be overwhelming. However, with adequate preparation, you can achieve exceptional results and get that aggregate of six (6) you so much desire. This article will help you prepare effectively and pass with ease.
Understanding the BECE
The BECE, conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), is the main and final examination for third-year junior high school (JHS) students in West Africa, including Ghana.
It’s written annually, typically in June. However, the schedule has varied post-COVID-19. In 2024, the exams will start from Monday, July 8th, to Friday, July 12th.
Here are the subjects for the 2023/2024 academic year:
- Mandatory subjects: Core subjects (English Language, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies), Religious and Moral Education, Career Technology, Creative Arts and Design.
- Elective subjects: The Ghanaian Language (the language you studied in your school).
- Optional subjects: French, Computing, Arabic.
The grading system used by WAEC for the BECE is categorised into nine grade points. Your aggregate score is calculated from four core subjects and two other elective or optional subjects.
10 tips to pass your BECE
Here are ten things to do before and during the examination to help you excel in all subjects:
1. Create a study plan
Some students learn better alone, while others learn better with a friend or group. Identify the strategy that works for you best and stick to it. Don’t be influenced by others’ study methods if they don’t suit you.
2. Get help when necessary
Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving the weaker areas. Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers or peers.
For example, if you have a classmate who does well in a particular subject, let them help you. Do not be shy or feel too big to ask for help when necessary.
3. Solve past questions
Learning past questions can be very intimidating due to their volume. However, you must practice with BECE past questions to familiarise yourself with the exam format and commonly asked questions. Doing this will also help you identify patterns in the questions and how to tackle them.
4. Take your mock exams or tests seriously
Mock examinations are examinations conducted to prepare you for the main exams. You must take them very seriously. They help you gauge your readiness and identify areas that need more attention.
5. Do not rely on leaked questions or apor
Relying on leaked questions (apor) prevents you from putting in the necessary effort to learn. It is not advisable to depend on apor, as it might not even match the exam questions.
This is not to say that do not solve likely questions. If there’s a circulating paper that people say is the exam question, look at it and try to solve the questions, but do not rely solely on them.
6. Avoid last-minute learning
First, understand that exam preparation starts on the first day of class in JHS One, not just a few days before. Don’t procrastinate in your studies, and pile up your notes until the final year when the examination is near.
Instead, develop the habit of reviewing your notes at the end of every class. This way, you’ll be well prepared and only need to revise your subject notes when the BECE approaches.
7. Follow all exam instructions
Read all exam paper instructions before attempting the questions. We recommend using the time between when the exam paper is shared and when the invigilator says “Start work!” to do this.
This is important so that you don’t miss critical information or answer wrong questions. Always remember that understanding a question is the first step in answering the question.
8. Manage your time correctly
In addition to reading the instructions, check the time allotted for the exam, then apportion time for each question. For written exams, always start with questions you’re confident about before attempting the more challenging ones.
If you’re tackling objective questions, skip the questions you’re not sure of and come back to them once you’ve gone through all the questions. Do not leave any questions unanswered in this section.
9. Write legibly during the exams
During the exam, it’s also important to write clearly in handwriting that is easy to read. Many BECE candidates fail exams due to illegible writing because the examiner cannot see or understand what they wrote.
When you’re done with a paper, review your answers to correct any errors that you may have missed.
10. Stay calm and relaxed
Exams can be scary and stressful, from preparation to finish. In the beginning, you may get nervous. However, you must stay calm, confident, and relaxed, as nervousness leads to a loss of concentration.
There’s plenty of evidence that shows that BECE candidates who are nervous or anxious during the exam do not do very well. You can avoid this by preparing well in advance, deep breathing, or listening to music before a paper.
FAQs
How to get an aggregate 6 in BECE?
To get an aggregate 6 in the BECE, you must score grade 1 in the four core subjects (i.e., English Language, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies) and two other elective or optional subjects.
What happens when I do not pass BECE?
If you don’t pass the BECE, it is not the end of the world. You can resit the exam as a private candidate. This private exam is written in February every year in the regional capitals. However, it’s important to learn hard and pass your exams once and for all.
Conclusion
Preparing for the BECE requires discipline. You can pass with flying colors by creating a personalised study plan, solving past questions, and managing time effectively.
Also, avoid last-minute cramming and examination malpractices. Best of luck in your exams, and remember to stay calm and relaxed at the examination hall.
Let us know your questions or tips in the comment section below.
