Ave Maria School Limited, a leading private basic education institution in the Greater Region, is set to roll out Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drone lessons as part of its commitment to technology and innovation, starting in September this year.

The school will introduce training in AI and drone flying from next term to equip learners with skills for global success in the 21st century.

The announcement was made by the head teacher of the school, Mr. Anthony Afful, last Saturday during the school’s annual graduation ceremony held on campus at Dansoman in Accra.

The event was attended by parents, teachers, and members of the school management board, including the CEO of the school, Mr Michael Sarfo Antwi, and the Chairman, Dr. Mensah Bonsu.  

Speaking on the theme “Harnessing Skills for Global Success in the 21st Century”, Mr. Afful said the theme was timely given how modern ICT is driving economic growth globally.

“As a school, we have therefore resolved to constantly integrate the required skills in modern technology into our mainstream curriculum of study,” he said. “From next term, as part of our existing Practical Skills Development Programme, we are introducing our very talented and critical-thinking learners to the basics of artificial intelligence (AI) and the flying of drones".

“He appealed to parents to support their children in enrolling in the new program and provide them with the needed resources.

“It is our strongest belief that such a contemporary course of study will be of immense benefit to these children in the future,” Mr. Afful added.

Academic Performance and BECE Preparations

The head teacher also commended students for their improved performance in competitive mock exams throughout the year.

“In all, the student groups sat competitive mocks and showed steady improvement in their performance, mock after mock, through robust academic activities including classes on Saturdays and Sundays,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination results will be encouraging and provide a basis for replicating the same strategies for the next batch of BECE candidates writing in May 2026.

Advice to Graduates and Parents

Mr. Afful had special words for the graduating JHS students.

He reminded them that completing JHS was “not an end in itself, but an important means to an end".

"Today’s occasion, therefore, marks one end of your journey and the beginning of yet another crucial journey. As you move into senior high school, campus life will offer you a lot of exposure, positive and negative, each of which has the potential to make or break your life,” he cautioned.

He urged them to choose friends wisely and to stay away from negative influences.

“Be proud of yourselves. Many people never even started school, and many who did did not finish. You started, and you have finished. Congratulations, my children,” he said.

To parents and guardians, Mr. Afful acknowledged their sacrifices and urged them not to relent.

“The work is still not finished. Continue, therefore, to invest in your children's education and in God’s own good time. Your labour shall never be in vain, and you will reap maximum returns on your investment,” he said.

He thanked parents, guests, staff, and students for attending the ceremony and wished everyone a memorable graduation.

Ave Maria School currently runs the Oxford International Curriculum and has placed strong emphasis on academic rigour and practical skills development over the past year.

Guest Speaker Commends School

Speaking as Guest Speaker, Mr. Johnson Selorm Abayi, Curriculum Implementation and Training Manager for the Oxford International Curriculum in Ghana, said Ave Maria School stood out among Oxford-accredited schools across Ghana.

“Out of all these schools, I put on record today that there is something truly special about Ave Maria School.

It is one of the most organized schools currently implementing the Oxford International Curriculum in Ghana,” he said.

“You have focused leadership. You have dedicated staff with an admirable spirit of learning."

Mr. Abayi noted that education in the 21st century must shift from teacher-centred, exam-driven to learner-centred. He said true excellence is measured not only by academic performance but also by critical thinking, creativity, resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving.

“Parents should not become overly excited simply because a school says their child is the best in one academic subject. Neither should they become discouraged if their child struggles in one subject. The world is looking for individuals with the skills to identify problems and develop meaningful solutions,” he added.

Call for Practical Skills

Mr. Abayi urged Ave Maria School to fully leverage the Oxford International Curriculum’s focus areas, including Wellbeing, Sustainability, Global Skills, Computing, Technology and Artificial Intelligence. He said the goal should be for every learner to leave with more than a certificate.

“Whether it is learning to play a musical instrument, singing, participating in sports, swimming, catering, public speaking, coding, robotics, entrepreneurship, or football, every learner should graduate with skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom,” he said.

He also called on the school to keep parents actively involved and to communicate clearly as new teaching approaches are introduced.

Advice to Parents and Learners

To parents, Mr. Abayi said the relationship with the school should be a partnership, not a customer-service arrangement. He urged them to avoid comparing children and to promote the use of home languages, which he described as key to identity and deeper learning.

Addressing the graduates, he described them as “lights” and “problem-solvers” for Ghana and the world. He encouraged responsible use of technology.

“These technologies are tools that can help you learn, create, innovate, and solve problems. Learn to use technology responsibly. Let technology become your servant, not your master,” he said.

Mr. Abayi congratulated the school on completing its first academic year under the Oxford International Curriculum and reaffirmed Oxford University Press and Catalyst Learning Systems’ commitment to supporting the school.

Over 46 junior high students graduated and were presented with certificates, while outstanding students received special awards.

Ms. Jean Francess Chantal Akpali, who claimed 6 awards, was adjudged the overall best student.

Apart from her awards, the school PTA presented her with an undisclosed cash prize.