Concern over zero pass rate in schools

continuous assessment component.

“This brings me to the “O” and “A” level academic results for 2018,” she said. “You will notice that this was the first examination for our competence-based curriculum. “O” level pass rate was 32,6 percent, while “A” level was 84,7 percent. Pass rate at grade 7 was 53,42 percent.”

Mrs Thabela said appropriate feedback was required immediately and all efforts in supervision and monitoring should target the schools.

“My ministry and Zimsec are working tirelessly to have the continuous assessment framework in place as soon as possible,” she said.

Mrs Thabela said her ministry was encouraging every school to resuscitate school feeding programmes in the wake of the pending drought to reduce drop-outs.

“School feeding generally had been suspended because of the cholera outbreak,” she said. “With the advent of the effects of the prevailing drought in most areas in the country and the unfortunate effects of Cyclone Idai, the Ministry is encouraging every school to resuscitate school feeding.

“Modalities can be worked out at school, cluster and district levels so that we maintain the enrolments as well as reducing dropouts.”

Mrs Thabela said the NAPH and NASH track and field events competitions were in line with the thrust of the competence based curriculum currently being implemented which have physical education, sport and mass displays as standalone learning areas.