SHS 1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE

RATIONALE FOR TEACHING ENGLISH

Language is the very essence of our humanity and an important as well as effective tool for socialization. As individuals or members of a social group, our
ability to function effectively and efficiently in almost all spheres of life depends fundamentally on our language skills. In Ghana, English is used as the
official language and medium of instruction in our schools from upper primary school level to all higher levels. The need to study English is, therefore,
crucial for students as well as all sectors of the population since it is the principal medium for teaching and learning, for official work and for international
communication. The Senior High School is the second level of education in Ghana. At this stage, students would have been introduced to the basic
language skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing. These skills must be improved considerably to give students the confidence as they
communicate in the language.

GENERAL AIMS

The general aims of teaching English as a subject at the Senior High School level are to:

1. reinforce language skills and competencies acquired at the Junior High School level.

2. develop further the language skills and competencies which were acquired at the Junior High School level.

3. improve the communicative competence of students and give them the confidence to communicate.

4. generate in students the love for reading for pleasure and the development of creative potentials.

5. raise students‘ level of proficiency in English usage and their ability to communicate with other users of English.

6. prepare students to function effectively on their own

a. in offices and other work situations
b. in tertiary institutions

7. develop in students human values for life.

8. enable all Senior High School products to deal effectively with the accumulated knowledge of their chosen fields and be able to communicate such
knowledge through speaking and writing in English.