…as school posts impressive ‘O’ and ‘A’ level results

TellZim reporter

Masvingo urban based government school Ndarama High continues to blaze the education trail, positioning itself as a giant among academic powerhouses in the province as it fared well in the 2022 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Ordinary and Advanced level examinations as usual.
The school recorded a 95.5 percent overall pass rate for the Advanced level class of 2022.
Among its strengths, Ndarama boasts of academic prowess in Science subjects with Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Sports Science learning areas scoring 100 percent. Geography recorded an overall pass rate of 94 percent, Mathematics had 92 while Physics recorded 84.60
Other learning areas that recorded 100 percent passes are Literature in English, Shona, History and Family and Religious Studies.
Economics and Business Studies followed up with 83.30 and 87.20 percent respectively.
Ephrage Rugara scored 25 points in Commercials followed Rahaad Phili on 20 points, Shebbah Mudzingwa, Kuzivakwashe Mugwira and Ketty Mureri all on 19 points in Sciences. Three other learners were tied on 17 points followed by 17 fifteen pointers in Sciences, Commercials and Arts.
In the Ordinary levels, the school shone with the highest scoring learner Makanyezi Jabulani coming out with 13 As followed by Takunda Kwara at 12A, Tatenda Chinyenye with 11 As and a B. Blessing Machele scored 10 As and a B while Mitchael Nyakahembe and Lenon Mozondo had 9 As and 4 Bs.
A host of other learners followed with 5 to 8 As.
Economic History, Physics, Musical Arts, Textile Technology, Building Studies, Food Technology and Art all recorded 100 percent passes.
Such passes in the latter five learning areas show the school’s commitment to production of self-reliant academic products.
Physical Education recorded 98.8 percent, Heritage Studies had 98.7, History 88.2, Biology 86.1, Computer Studies 85.7, Family and Religious Studies 83.2, English Language 81.3 and Metal Technology 80.
The overall school pass rate stands at a whopping 79 percent even with such a large number of exam candidates.

What the man-in-charge has to say

Despite operating in a restrictive environment characterized by a huge enrolment and limited resources as a result of the relatively low school fees paid by learners, the school remains committed to the cause of educating the province and posting impressive results according to School Head Oddy Matongo.
Running under the theme ‘Beating the previous best’, Matongo said the school strives for excellence and called upon parents to join forces with the school’s administration so that results keep on improving.
“The evidence we have shows that despite being a day school, Ndarama has proven itself a force to reckon with as learners have dropped from more established schools like Gokomere to join us while some are commuting from areas like Chivi and Bhuka on a daily basis.
“Parents on the other hand should bear with teachers and consider their plight that is in terms of their upkeep so that we maintain the standards. The school has at times experienced a staff exodus where we lose experienced teachers like right now we have lost our seasoned Accounts teacher,” said Matongo.

Hard work, commitment and team work: the key behind success-History teacher

After leading the class of 2022 that saw a total of 28 learners scoring As in the Advanced level examinations, with 16 Bs and 2 Cs, history teacher Trida Huni said she cannot even believe it that such a big number of learners managed to come out with flying colours. The percentage pass rate in history is 100.
“I can’t even believe it right now that we managed to post such impressive results. I am still in a state of shock at realization that the learners had done so well and today we are celebrating the fruits of hard work. Laziness is not part of our vocabulary at Ndarama.
“At first, the learners had negative attitudes and perceptions towards the learning area but we did well to convince them and they positively responded and they become cooperative. The secret behind our success story is hard work where we would give learners a lot of written work as a way of preparing them when it comes to Essay writing and the skills required in writing those academic pieces. I had to motivate the learners that through hard work, they were going to achieve something good,” said Huni.
She went on to pay tribute to fellow teachers in their line department and team work as another factor behind the good results.
“Team work involving fellow teachers in our department is also another factor. At times, I had to consult other teachers in the department here and there and fortunately, they would chip in and assist. At the end of the day we got to realize these good results,” she added.

Departmental team work behind our success story- FRS teacher

Though running short of words to explain how such good results were attained, Precious Munyaradzi said the spirit of togetherness that brought together teachers in their department and learners is the secret behind the fairy tale run.
Family and Religious Studies (FRS) had the highest number of As totaling up to 30 with 14 Bs and 2 Cs resulting in a 100 percent pass rate in ‘A’ level.
“All I can say is that we work together as a group and thus can attribute the high pass rate percentage to team work with fellow teachers. We always look at ways of how best we can motivate our learners so that they do away with the negative attitude towards our particular learning area,” said Munyaradzi.

Hard working culture and learners’ effort crucial- Maths teacher

Also in denial of lagging behind is the Mathematics department where both Ordinary and Advanced Levels fared well as is shown by the results obtained.
Maths teacher Chipo Chizimba said despite the subject at times encountering challenges in terms of ‘phobia’ on the part of learners, the department remains determined and committed to producing good results.
“Maths phobia is one major undoing that affects most learners. So what we have done at Ndarama is that we start by ensuring that we clear and get rid of the phobia by showing learners how possible it is to pass Mathematics. These young learners need an appreciation of their capabilities and after clearing that ground, then you inculcate the spirit of hard work in them.
“I always remind our learners that their part is two thirds while the teacher is responsible for one third for results to come out good. At Ndarama, we always encourage our learners to work hard. The fact that Mathematics is a daily subject shows the amount of work that is required of the learning area. Motivation, hard work and the way we celebrate with learners in event of good results even at end of terms are key drivers behind our success. That way we show an appreciation of the effort by learners and that keeps on motivating them to even work harder,” said Chizimba.
She also said extra lessons for free that are done during weekends or even holidays also helps drive the ambitions of the department.
“Sometimes we give learners extra work even if it means coming to school during holidays or over the weekends. As teachers, we do this for free for our aim is to make sure we show all the love we have for the success of our learners and in turn they put more effort to please us. It’s all out of sacrifice,” she added.

Beverly Bizeki

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe-run academic power house Zimuto High School has raised its flag high after posting impressive results in the recently published Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) 2022 Ordinary level results.
The school notched a sterling 85.45percent overall pass rate with 188 learners passing five or more subjects out of the 220 who sat for the examinations.
The school also recorded 85 percent pass rate for students who passed five or more subjects including English language where 187 learners passed.
For learners who passed five or more subjects including English Language and Mathematics, the school recorded a 75.45 percent pass rate with 166 learners passing the exams.
Of the 220 students who wrote five or more subjects, 166 students passed English Language, Mathematics and Science marking a 66 percent pass rate.
In English language, 208 of 220 pupils passed the exam marking a 94.98 percent pass rate while 172 learners passed Mathematics to produce a 79.26 percent pass rate.
The school also recorded high pass rates in Computers where all 71 pupils who sat for the paper passed marking a 100 percent pass rate.
Learners from the 2022 class also performed well in Biology, Chemistry and Physics where the school posted 93.75 percent, 96.8 percent and 94.83 percent respectively.
Learners also attained 100 percent pass rate in other learning areas such as Heritage, Statistics, TTD and PESMD.

Branton Matondo

Mutare-Residents from Mutare have called for City fathers to improve on road surfacing techniques following massive erosion and pothole extensions witnessed in Chikanga and Sakubva suburbs due to late heavy rains that are still pouring since February 9.
After going for a month and a half without proper rainfall, Mutare began experiencing heavy downpours last week.
Though the rains bring joy to farmers, road users have raised concern on the massive erosion and pothole extending even in Mutare’s low density suburbs.
One of the hardest hit places is Chikanga market in ward 14.
The market place which lies in Mutasa South constituency’s construction was facilitated by former MP for the constituency Irene Zindi to shelter vendors through the use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Sharp gullies have been created posing danger to people who want to access the market.
Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) Programs Director David Mutambirwa said council should act up quickly because it’s a hazard that will culminate into a sad story one day.
“The rains have brought and will continue to bring about massive road damages. If you look at Chikanga market area, poor drainage and road infrastructure has robbed the market of its former glory. Gullies formed due to massive soil erosion at the market has made the place inaccessible,” said Mutambirwa.
He added that council should act urgently before the situation degenerates into a disaster.
“City council should urgently address the issue not only for easy access but for security as the gullies pose great hazards among residents, especially senior citizens, children and people with disabilities,” he added.
Council has been carrying out pot hole filling exercises since last month using gravel.
The process has been brought to scrutiny as residents opt for better ways others than removable gravel.
Donald Chitakaira a resident from Maonde said road networks within Sakubva need immediate action from council.
“The state of our roads within Sakubva is bad and with more rains falling, it’s going to be worse. We really call upon the local authority to act because it’s not only a danger to motorists, but also to residents,” said Chitakaira.
Manicaland is expected to receive heavy rainfall between 65 to 120 mm from February 16-20 to the 20. This comes after Meteorological Services Department (MSD) released a warning notice on the February 15.
Manicaland is expected to receive of rain within 24hrs.
In a statement the MET Department has warned citizens to be on look-out for the rains.
“Residents from the province should look out for heavy rains (in excess of 50 mm), flash flooding in areas with saturated soil, wetlands, and impervious grounds as well as along basins,” read part of the statement.

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru-Gweru Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi on February 20, 2023 appointed the council’s Finance Director Livingston Churu as the new Acting Town Clerk while Assistant Director (City Planning) Tapiwa Marerwa has been elevated to the Chamber Secretary post.

The two will hold the positions until council meets on Wednesday (February 22) for a Special Council meeting.

In a letter dated February 20, referenced ‘Directive on reporting for work while on bail’ signed by Mayor Kombayi, under fire former Acting Town Clerk Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe was requested to recuse himself from his duties until he is cleared by the courts.

Chikwekwe is in court for alleged criminal abuse of office.

“As per circular No CX/154 from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works you are kindly requested to recuse yourself from your duties until you are cleared by the Courts.

“May you kindly handover to Mr Churu and Mr Marerwa who shall be acting in the capacity as Town Clerk and Chamber Secretary respectively” read the first letter.

In a second letter, Mayor Kombayi notified council of the immediate appointment of Mr Churu and Mr Marerwa to the positions of Acting Town Clerk and Chamber Secretary respectively.

“Note that Mr Livingstone Churu the Director of Finance shall be acting as Town Clerk and Mr Tapiwa Marerwa as Acting Chamber Secretary until we convene a Special Council meeting on Wednesday 22 February 2023,” read the other letter.

The new appointments come after the arrest of Chikwekwe last week over charges of criminal abuse of duty as defined in Section 174(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) or in the alternative c/s Section 94 (3) of the Public Procurement and Disposal (Regulations) Statutory Instrument (SI) 5 of 2018.

TellZim Reporter

Chiredzi Government High School continues to make new strides in education following impressive Advanced and Ordinary level Zimsec 2022 results.
The school, which had a 99.7 percentage pass rate in A’ level 2022 exams also posted an impressive 70, 2 percentage pass at O’ level the same year.
School head Victor Zvada said the school’s secret to success was teamwork and hard work among all stakeholders, who put all hands on the deck to ensure that the school’s flag flies high academically.
“Ours secrets to success ranged from teamwork among teaching staff, parents and the students. We worked together as one unit with a common goal, which resulted in excellent results.
“The other secret lay in hard work. Throughout the 2022 academic year, the school mantra was hard work. Our students worked hard, our teachers worked hard and the results are there for all to see. Our parents too worked hard to pay fees and to mobilize the teaching and learning materials,” Zvada said.
Zvada also urged students and teachers to never let the Chiredzi Government High flag to go down, to let the principles of teamwork and hard work guide them in their day to day operations.
“Above all, God remembered us in 2022. I hope in 2023, God will remember us again. To the students, I urge them to work harder as hard work pays in building their academic careers.
“To my fellow workmates, you have raised the school flag high and let’s not allow it to go down. As we move ahead with our 2023 academic year, I encourage the parents to pay their children’s fees timeously for us to get resources necessary for a conducive learning environment,” Zvada said.
The school also boasts of good student discipline which contributed much to the good pass rates and a recipe for success.