Sundaymail Editor
Prince Mushawevato and Theseus Shambare
IT has become a new academic tradition that each time public examinations are written, new records are set, as prodigious learners continue to push the limit.
In the recent Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Advanced Level exams, Tadiwanashe Mavetera scored a jaw-dropping 10As, becoming the first learner to accomplish such a feat.
The 19-year-old Ruya Adventist High School learner notched As in Accounting, Mechanical Mathematics, Business Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Economics.
His performance is made even more remarkable considering that Mavetera managed 20As in his Ordinary Level exams.
Similarly, at Pamushana High School in Bikita, Masvingo province, a record 103 learners scored 15 points and above in their A-Level exams.
Apparently, the school, which had a 98,7 percent pass rate, only had two learners who failed to pass a minimum two subjects.
Abraham Sikholiinkosi Ndlovu shone brightest with 30 points from As in Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Pure Mathematics and Statistics.
Questions, however, have been asked why learners are sitting for more subjects at A-Level when the recommended three subjects would suffice.
For 19-year-old Gaza High School learner Divine Chara, who had 25 points from five subjects — Business Studies, Chemistry, Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Biology — it was about the thrill of it.
“For me, three subjects were not enough. In my life, I always seek challenges and sitting five subjects gave me the thrill and joy that is associated with challenges,” he said.
Technology
Experts believe impressive academic performances are being driven by new technologies, which are making learning materials readily available.
According to South Africa’s East London University, the advent of online learning has added a new dimension to studying.
While learners used to share limited resources such as textbooks, electronic gadgets such as smartphones and computers are now providing unlimited information at the touch of a button.
The interface between teachers and learners has also become frequent and convenient.
“I can now interact with learners even when they leave class or when they are on holiday. In my 15 years of teaching experience, I have noticed that social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook make it easy for a teacher to stay in touch with learners throughout the year,” said Mrs Rufaro Moyo, a Harare-based teacher.
“Some feel comfortable asking questions online than physically. Research has been simplified as everything is available on the internet. The only challenge we have is with learners who use online platforms for mischief.”
However, there are some who believe the high pass rates could be a reflection of Zimsec’s declining standards.
But the public exams body disagrees.
“As Zimsec, we have standards that we maintain, in accordance with assessment best practices. We do not lower these standards and continuously benchmark regionally and internationally to ensure quality assessment of candidates’ performance,” Zimsec’s spokesperson Ms Nicolette Dlamini said.
Credibility
But continued leaks in examination papers have somewhat put a dent in the administration of public tests.
Some even accuse elite private schools of pre-emptively accessing exam papers to drive pass rates, which, in turn, are used to attract more learners to their institutions.
“Schools are also into business. Having good results is one of the best ways to market their institutions. Thus, it is possible for them to cheat so as to attain high pass rates,” said Mr Josiah Tambudzai from Epworth.
Zimsec, however, insists that its systems are tight and cheats will always pay the price.
“There were candidates who had pre-access to examination question papers, as we published in our statements that were in the media. Those who were identified during the examinations and those identified during marking have, in accordance with the Zimsec Act (34), had their results nullified,” explained Ms Dlamini.
“It (pre-access to examination question papers) has become a worldwide concern. Zimsec has and is working with internal and external security departments to curb this vice.”
In 2015, a United Kingdom (UK) board (Cambridge International Examinations and the British Council) investigated how some learners taking an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exam in Egypt knew the questions they would face in a practical test.
The IGCSE information and communications technology exam was taken at the same time by over 1 000 learners in England.
Predictable
Others believe examination boards have become predictable by recycling exam papers.
They say teachers and candidates who have mastered exam trends tend to focus on specific topics, thereby improving their chances of attaining higher grades.
In the end, schools risk producing exam-oriented learners who will struggle in higher learning institutions or at work.
But such a claim becomes fallacious when one considers that learners even excelled in the Cambridge 2022 Advanced Level exams.
For instance, at Sandton Academy in Gutu, Masvingo, Annalisah Chikochi (19) scored 33 points out of a possible 35.
Kudzanai Mhlanga had 22 points, while Sean Guru and Mufarowashe Mashoko obtained 20 points each.
Overall, the institution had a 99,5 percent pass rate.
Sandton Academy principal Dr Thokozile Mupundu said the impressive results were driven by a strict learning model at the school.
“We are a law-abiding institution that operates under strict Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education regulations. We have an exams committee that monitors all our operations in terms of examinations,” said Dr Mupundu.
“The secret to their (learners) success is a result of hard work, unity and professionalism among the teaching staff and administration. Our teachers are supervised strictly so that they discharge their duties proficiently.
“Learners are supposed to follow suit in doing all their assignments on time, and reporting wherever they are supposed to report on time, be it a practical subject or a theory subject.”
Pamushana High School headmaster Mr Agrippa Moyo agrees.
“Hard work by both learners and teachers is the secret behind our success. We also have a unique way of making learners prepare for their final exams. We extended the study period to 10pm daily,” he said.
“We motivate our staff as we offer free housing and a few grocery items from time to time good.”
“We believe in good practices. Our examination papers reach our school 15 minutes before the starting time and there is no room for paper leaks.”
Reality
According to Zimsec board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje, an individual’s success is not a reflection of national academic standards.
“Around 2017, learners were registering about eight or less subjects, and the highest performance we used to get was about 25 points.
“However, our standards have for long been maintained as shown by the constant national pass rate.
It fluctuates, but does so within a reasonable range from year to year. Personal results and those of a particular school are not a reflection of national pass rates,” he said.
The 2022 Advanced Level examination results show an 88 percent pass rate compared to 83 percent a year earlier, which was a 5-percentage point increase.
In 2019, the pass rate also stood at 83 percent.
It, however, declined by 2 percent the following year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Candidates are considered to have passed when they obtain Grade E or better at Advanced Level.
At Ordinary Level, where Grade C or better in five subjects or more is considered a pass, the pass rate slightly rose by 2,6 percentage points from 26,3 percent in 2021 to 28,96 percent last year.
The highest pass rate in the past four years was the 31,6 percent recorded in 2019.
Online Reporter