Students to Sit 37 Subjects in Upcoming WASSCE Exams

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has confirmed that Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 pupils will sit exams in 37 subjects during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The subjects include 20 new and 17 existing ones, drawn from both the old and new curricula.

Augustine Bamie Anthony, Communications Specialist at MBSSE, said the decision follows public concern about whether final-year pupils would be assessed across both curricula. He explained that while the new curriculum introduces 76 subjects across five streams, full implementation will not take effect until 2028.

“Exams will cover 37 subjects for all SSS 3 students, combining the old and new curricula,” Bamie said. He noted that several subjects in the new curriculum such as Robotics, STEAM, and other science and technology courses require extensive preparation, especially regarding teaching and learning materials.

He further stated that the new curriculum aims to establish five functional streams in senior secondary schools to better cater to students' diverse needs. “For the 2026 and 2027 academic years, students will be taught and assessed on 37 subjects. Full rollout will occur by 2028,” he added.

Bamie also clarified that pupils entering SSS 1 will begin learning the new curriculum and transition progressively through SSS 2 and SSS 3 to ensure no group of students is disadvantaged.

Foday Kuyateh, Western Regional Secretary of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), confirmed that the 2026 WASSCE will assess pupils on the 37 subjects. However, he raised concerns about the persistent shortage of teaching and learning materials, especially for subjects requiring practical components.

“We support the new curriculum, but challenges remain. The government, SLTU, and education partners must work together to address these issues,” Kuyateh said. He also underscored the need for enhanced teacher training in emerging subjects such as Politics and Governance and Food Security.

Salieu Kamara, Acting Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, also affirmed that the council will examine pupils on the 37 subjects in 2026 and 2027. “While there are 76 subjects in all streams, only the listed 37 will be assessed until full implementation in 2028,” Kamara said.

He added, “We have completed the necessary preparations. In May/June 2026, students will be tested on the selected subjects.”

Despite the confirmation, some teachers and students remain uncertain about the marking scheme for the 20 newly introduced subjects.

Concerns persist that gaps between the old and new curricula could affect candidates’ overall performance, though MBSSE, WAEC, and SLTU have assured stakeholders that the assessment process will be standardized and fair.