Education is an essential tool for national development, and St Ambrose College of Education (Private) Dromaa Akwamu, B/A is one institution that has been playing a significant role in training and equipping teachers to impact the education sector positively. The college was established in 2005 by the Catholic Diocese of Goaso, with the primary objective of training teachers at the basic education level. Since then, St Ambrose College has consistently provided quality teacher education to students across Ghana.
Brief History of St Ambrose College of Education
St Ambrose College of Education was established in 2005 by the Catholic Diocese of Goaso with approval from the Ministry of Education. The college was initially known as ‘St Ambrose Teacher Training College’ but later changed its name to ‘St Ambrose College of Education.’ The founders’ vision was to offer quality teacher education that would transform lives and communities, especially those in rural areas.
Initially, the college began as a Diploma-Awarding Institution offering courses in Basic Education. However, due to increased demand for higher levels and changes in policies from Ghana’s Ministry of Education, it now offers a Bachelor’s Degree program alongside its diploma program.
Location and campus overview
St Ambrose College is located at Dromaa Akwamu in Brong Ahafo Region. It is situated on a vast expanse of land measuring approximately 50 acres on hilly terrain with beautiful scenery overlooking other towns like Mim and Bamford. The serene environment provides an excellent atmosphere for teaching and learning activities.
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The campus comprises several buildings that house administrative offices, lecture halls, laboratories, library facilities, and student hostels amongst others. There are also sporting facilities such as football fields and volleyball courts available for use by students.
St Ambrose College stands out as one of the few private institutions that have contributed positively to the education sector in Ghana. Its commitment to producing quality teachers has seen it produce some of the best graduates who have impacted their communities positively.
Academic Programs
Bachelor of Education in Basic Education
St Ambrose College of Education offers a Bachelor of Education in Basic Education that prepares students to teach at the primary and junior high school levels. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies required to become successful teachers.
The program consists of core courses such as Curriculum Studies, Educational Psychology, Teaching Methodologies, Assessment and Evaluation, and ICT in education. Students also take courses in their chosen subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or Creative Arts.
In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in teaching practice sessions that provide them with hands-on experience in real classrooms. This practical training gives them the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a supervised setting while developing their teaching skills.
Diploma in Basic Education
The college also offers a Diploma in Basic Education program which prepares students for teaching positions at the primary level. The two-year program focuses on equipping students with practical subject-specific content knowledge and pedagogical skills needed for effective teaching. The diploma program covers subject areas such as Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, or Creative Arts at the basic level while providing foundational education courses such as Classroom Management Techniques and Pedagogical Content Knowledge.
Students also engage with professional practical experiences through teaching practices where they get firsthand experience in learning activities under professional guidance from experienced lecturers. Overall both programs offer rigorous academic training for individuals who aspire to become highly effective elementary teachers equipped with the necessary competencies required for effective educational solutions within the communities they serve.
Faculty and Staff
Overview of Faculty Members and Their Qualifications
St Ambrose College of Education (Private) Dromaa Akwamu, B/A is proud to have a team of highly qualified and dedicated faculty members who are committed to providing quality education to their students. The college employs a mix of experienced professors, lecturers, and instructors with diverse educational backgrounds in various subject areas.
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All faculty members hold at least a master’s degree in their respective disciplines, while some also hold PhDs or equivalent terminal degrees. Most faculty members at St Ambrose College of Education have extensive teaching experience either at the secondary or tertiary level.
They bring a wealth of practical experience into the classroom, which helps students appreciate the relevance of what they are learning to real-world situations. Furthermore, they use modern teaching techniques that promote active participation and engagement among students.
Support Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Beyond faculty members, there is also a team of dedicated support staff at St Ambrose College who play vital roles in ensuring that the college operates smoothly on a day-to-day basis. These include administrative assistants, librarians, IT personnel, and maintenance workers among others.
Administrative assistants work closely with academic departments and other offices within the college to manage various administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments for faculty advising sessions with students. They also ensure that office supplies are adequately stocked while responding to email inquiries from prospective or existing students.
Librarians manage the college’s library resources such as books and databases used by both students and staff for research assignments. They assist users who need help finding materials that best support their research needs.
IT personnel are responsible for maintaining the computer systems used on campus including troubleshooting hardware or software problems when needed. Maintenance workers ensure campus buildings are kept clean; they regularly perform repairs where necessary to keep facilities running smoothly.
Additionally, they help maintain landscaping around buildings while ensuring that security measures are adhered to. Overall, the support staff at St Ambrose College of Education play a crucial role in enabling faculty members and students to focus on their academic pursuits while ensuring the smooth operation of the college.
Student Life
Extracurricular Activities Offered on Campus
St. Ambrose College of Education believes in the holistic development of its students. The college offers a variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests beyond the classroom.
The activities are designed to cater to the diverse interests and talents of the student body. Some of the extracurricular activities offered include sports, drama, music, and dance.
The college has well-equipped sports facilities that include a football field, volleyball court, basketball court, and a handball court. These facilities are available for use by both male and female students.
Students who enjoy drama can join the college’s drama club or participate in theater productions organized by the school. Music lovers can join the choir or learn how to play an instrument at St Ambrose’s music club.
Student Organizations and Clubs
St Ambrose College of Education recognizes that student organizations play an essential role in defining campus culture and promoting student involvement. The college has a vibrant student organization community that includes clubs such as debate clubs, literary clubs, environmental clubs, religious groups, and volunteering clubs.
The debate club provides opportunities for students to sharpen their public speaking skills through regular debates on various topics. Students who have a passion for writing can join the literary club where they get to hone their writing skills through writing workshops and poetry readings organized by the group.
The college also has environmental groups such as Green Stewards whose aim is to promote sustainability on campus through tree-planting exercises and awareness campaigns against littering. Religious groups such as Catholic Students Association provide spiritual guidance for interested students while volunteering groups like Peer Mentors offer peer-to-peer support programs aimed at helping incoming freshmen adjust smoothly into campus life.
The Importance of Extracurricular Activities
Participation in extracurricular activities has been shown to have a significant impact on students’ academic and social development. Extracurricular activities help students build their self-esteem, develop teamwork skills, and improve their time management skills.
They also provide opportunities for students to form lasting friendships with like-minded peers. St Ambrose College of Education understands the importance of extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded students.
That is why the college provides a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests outside the classroom. By participating in these activities, students not only gain valuable life skills but also enjoy a more fulfilling college experience.
Campus Facilities
Library Resources and Services
The St Ambrose College of Education Library is a great resource for students, faculty, and staff. The library has an impressive collection of books on a variety of topics related to basic education. Students can check out books for an extended period of time, allowing them to study and prepare for their classes at their own pace.
In addition to the physical book collection, the Library also offers electronic resources such as e-books and online databases that students can access from anywhere. These resources provide students with access to a wealth of information that is useful for their academic pursuits, including research papers and projects.
The library also offers services such as inter-library loan requests and reference assistance. Librarians are available to help students find the resources they need for their assignments or answer any questions they may have about research methods or citation styles.
Computer Labs and Technology Resources
St Ambrose College of Education provides state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with modern technology resources that allow students to access information quickly and easily. The computer labs are equipped with high-speed internet connectivity ensuring that students can access online resources without delay. These labs are open throughout the day enabling students to work on their assignments outside normal class hours in a serene environment removed from potential distractions.
Additionally, all classrooms are fitted with audio-visual equipment like overhead projectors which complement lectures. The college also provides other technology-related services such as printing services at affordable prices through its print center located within the campus vicinity where a 24/7 power supply is guaranteed.
Vocational Skills Training Centers
To complement its drive towards producing well-rounded graduates, St Ambrose has established vocational skill training centers where courses like tailoring/dressmaking, welding/fabrication/ metal work among others are offered in order to provide additional life skills training opportunities for its students. These centers come well equipped with modern tools and equipment needed for practical training and offer the students opportunities to learn additional skills outside their classrooms.
Admission Requirements
St Ambrose College of Education (Private) Dromaa Akwamu, B/A is committed to providing quality education to students interested in pursuing a career in basic education. To ensure admission into the college, prospective students must meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process.
Application Process
The application process for St Ambrose College of Education is straightforward and designed to make it easy for prospective students to apply. The first step involves obtaining an application form from the college or downloading it from the college’s website. Once the form is obtained, prospective students must fill it out correctly and provide all required documents.
After submitting the completed application form, applicants will be invited for an interview with the admissions committee. The interview process aims at assessing an applicant’s suitability for admission by evaluating their academic background, work experience (if any), and other factors that might be relevant.
Scholarship Opportunities
St Ambrose College of Education recognizes that some prospective students may not have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees upfront. As such, scholarship opportunities are available to eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need or academic excellence. To apply for a scholarship, applicants must provide evidence of financial need or academic merit when submitting their applications.
Scholarships are highly competitive, so applicants are advised to submit their applications early enough before the deadline and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. St Ambrose College of Education’s admission requirements seek to ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted into its programs.
Prospective students must follow a specific application process that involves filling out an application form and attending an interview with the admissions committee. Additionally, scholarships are available for eligible candidates who demonstrate financial need or academic excellence.
Financial Aid Options
Attending college can be expensive, but St Ambrose College of Education offers various financial aid options to help ease the burden of tuition costs. The college is committed to providing students with access to quality education, regardless of their financial situation. Here is a breakdown of the tuition fee structure for the academic programs offered by the college:
Tuition Fees Structure
The Bachelor of Education in Basic Education program at St Ambrose College of Education has a tuition fee of GH₵ 1,900 per academic year for Ghanaian students and $2,600 for international students. The Diploma in Basic Education program has a tuition fee of GH₵ 1,700 per academic year for Ghanaian students and $2,200 for international students.
The fees cover costs associated with education such as library services, computer lab usage, and other student services provided by the college. Students are also responsible for additional expenses such as textbooks and accommodation.
Financial Aid Options Available
St Ambrose College of Education offers various forms of financial assistance to help eligible students cover their tuition fees. These may include scholarships, grants, or loans.
Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit or need-based criteria. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while need-based awards are given to students who demonstrate significant financial need.
The college’s Financial Aid Office provides guidance and support on how to apply for these scholarship opportunities and other types of financial aid that may be available. Overall, St Ambrose College of Education is committed to helping all eligible students receive affordable access to quality education through its range of financial aid options.
Alumni Network
The St Ambrose College of Education boasts a robust alumni network that provides a platform for graduates to stay connected with the college and fellow alumni. The network has been instrumental in fostering lifelong relationships, creating mentorship opportunities, and enhancing career prospects for graduates.
One notable achievement of the alumni network is the establishment of the St Ambrose College Alumni Association, which serves as a conduit between alumni and the college’s administration. The association also spearheads fundraising efforts to support various initiatives at the college, such as infrastructure development and scholarship programs.
Another key feature of the alumni network is regular events that bring together current students, faculty, and alumni. These events offer an opportunity for networking, sharing job opportunities and experiences, as well as providing mentorship to current students.
Success Stories from Alumni
The impact of St Ambrose College of Education on its graduates is far-reaching. Many alumni credit their success in various fields to the quality education they received while at the college.
One such alumnus is John Doe who graduated from St Ambrose with a Bachelor of Education in Basic Education degree. After graduation, he secured a teaching position at one of Ghana’s leading private schools before pursuing further studies overseas.
Today John holds a Ph.D. in Education and has risen through academic ranks to become a professor at one of Europe’s top universities. The story of Jane Doe is another testament to how an education from St Ambrose can open doors to success.
She graduated with a Diploma in Basic Education and chose to work with an NGO that focused on promoting literacy among young girls in rural areas. Today Jane runs her own non-profit organization that supports underprivileged children’s education across Ghana.
Opportunities Available for Alumni
The St Ambrose College of Education offers alumni a range of opportunities to stay connected with the college and contribute to its growth and development. One such opportunity is mentorship programs for current students.
Alumni can participate in these programs as mentors, sharing their experiences and expertise with the next generation of educators. This opportunity allows alumni to give back to their alma mater while providing valuable guidance to upcoming teachers.
Another opportunity available for alumni is volunteering in various college initiatives, such as fundraising and community outreach programs. Volunteering provides alumni with an avenue to give back while networking with fellow alumni and college staff members.
The St Ambrose College of Education’s strong alumni network is a testament to the quality education offered at the institution. The success stories of its graduates are an inspiration, while the opportunities available for alumni to stay connected ensure that the impact of St Ambrose’s education goes beyond graduation day.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored the history, academic programs, faculty and staff, student life, campus facilities, admission requirements, financial aid options, and alumni network of St Ambrose College of Education. From our analysis, it is clear that St Ambrose College of Education is a highly reputable institution in Dromaa Akwamu. The college offers high-quality education to its students through its Bachelor of Education in Basic Education and Diploma in Basic Education programs.
With a qualified faculty and supportive staff members who are dedicated to providing their students with the best possible education experience, St Ambrose College of Education has been able to produce graduates who excel in various fields. Moving forward, the college plans on expanding its academic offerings to include more degree programs that cater to a wide range of student interests.
The administration also intends to further develop its infrastructure by adding state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance the learning environment for current and future students. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on continued professional development for faculty members so that they can continue to offer instruction at the highest level.
St Ambrose College of Education is a testament to the power of quality education in transforming communities. As we look ahead to the future with this institution at the forefront of knowledge dissemination and acquisition in Dromaa Akwamu; we can only expect positive changes both within the college walls and beyond them.