Mpopoma High School Shines with 62 Students Scoring 15 Points
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) has maintained that its assessment standards remain high, despite improved A-Level results and a growing trend of students sitting for more than three subjects.
This comes as Mpopoma High School in Bulawayo produced an impressive 62 students who scored 15 points or more, while Matobo High School had students scoring 20 points after taking more than three subjects.
Zimsec’s spokesperson, Ms Nicky Dlamini, attributed the improved performance to better access to online resources.
“Our assessment standards have not been lowered. Some candidates are more resourced now, with access to online materials and other resources that were not available in the past,” she said.
However, the trend of students sitting for more than three subjects has sparked debate on social media, with some questioning whether A-Level has become easier.
Zimsec board chair, Professor Paul Mapfumo, noted that it is beyond Zimsec’s mandate to analyze the performance of each school.
“Those with the responsibility to explain such discrepancies would need to understand the backgrounds of the concerned schools to come up with definitive explanations,” he said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has recommended that students focus on three subjects, with four as the maximum.
“In our opinion, it’s not necessary for candidates to sit for more than three subjects.
“Writing more subjects does not necessarily benefit students,” said Mr Taungana Ndoro, the ministry’s communications and advocacy director.
Educationist Dr Sifiso Ndlovu argued that writing multiple subjects does not equate to better quality education.
“Many students take advantage of overlapping content in subjects, but this does not necessarily improve the quality of education,” he said.
Mpopoma High School head, Mrs Sihle Sibanda, attributed her school’s impressive results to the dedication of teachers and students’ hard work.
“These results are a testament to the commitment and expertise of our teaching staff, as well as the supportive school community we have built,” she said.
-Chronicle
