Pass rates increase in Manicaland schools

PASS rates in Manicaland schools are increasing as evidenced by the number of pupils with 15 points and above at A-Level, five As at O-Level and four units at Grade Seven.

Speaking at Manicaland Provincial Merit Awards at Chancellor Junior School last Friday, Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba, said: “The pass-rates in these schools had a positive increase in 2016; 57,90 percent at Grade Seven, 31,98 percent at ‘O’ Level and 90,42 percent at ‘A’ Level.

“At ‘O’ Level, the quality of passes increased tremendously as evidenced by the number of pupils with 5As or more, which increased from 1 133 in 2015 to 1 271 in 2016.”

Mr Shumba added: “At Grade Seven, the number of candidates with four units increased from 581 in 2015 to 648 in 2016. The number of candidates with 15 or more points at ‘A’ Level increased from 129 in 2015 to 139 in 2016.”

Mr Shumba said their aim was to continue scoring high.

“True, we are leading, but this is not the best,” he said.

“We are made of sterner stuff. We do not want those that are following to breathe in our backs. We want to create a wider gap so that those following get convinced that they have to settle and compete for second position.”

Mr Shumba urged people not to use the school system to settle scores.

He cited the example of Nyanyadzi High School which was rocked by a demonstration involving the community over Satanism allegations involving some teachers at the school.

“One of our major problems has been the use of schools to settle scores from outside,” said Mr Shumba.

“The Nyanyadzi High School is a good example. My appeal is to use schools for their major function, which is teaching and learning.

“If you want to bring anything else, ask yourself if it has anything to do with teaching and learning. If not, get it out of the school.”

On non-payment of school fees, Mr Shumba, said: “Another issue has been non-payment of fees and levies. True, Section 75 of our Constitution gives the child the right to education. No-one should deprive the child of that right.”