adminFreedom Mutanda
CHIPANGAYI Secondary School maintained its top four position in Chipinge District in the 2014 November O Level ZIMSEC examinations, a feat it has achieved for the past five consecutive years. This past year, it came out
three out of 57 secondary schools in the eastern district.
A total of 19 students got five subject passes; the total number of candidates was 49. Of interest is the fact that 18 students who passed the 2014 November examinations got 19-27 units at Grade Seven level. Only one, Bridget Shumanayi had 12 units in the 2010 Grade Seven examination.
Shammah Nyagutu, who scooped 4As and 2Bs had 21 units at Grade Seven. His script is repeated in the 17 other successful students of the class of 2014. Karen Chisema had 19 units, but she defied all odds to get 3As and 4Bs and at the same time emerge as the best female student for the school.
Although the quality of the passes did not in any way match the 2013 class, what was remarkable was the huge number of passes from the so-called “dull’’ class. Psychologists such as Skinner and Piaget have always frowned upon labelling students “dull’’ rather than call them slow learners.
This calls into question the economists who contend that teaching is non-productive; Discreet Mubuso had 27 units in Grade Seven, but got a distinction and passes in English together with three other subjects. What does that say about the productive nature of the teachers at the school?
A total of 16 girls sat for five or more subjects at the school with half of them passing. Only seven students failed to get one subject and that is worrying in spite of those students having had between 32 and 36 units at Grade Seven.
Fittingly, 2014 can be classified as the year of the ladies. Commerce (56.82), Religious Studies (60.71), Geography (69.70) and Fashion and Fabrics (100) were taught by lady teachers last year.
Mrs Chiedza Sithole who taught Fashion and Fabrics, that had an awe inspiring 100 percent pass-rate and was at a loss of words.
Mrs Sithole F & F teacher
“I can barely breathe. It is as if I am in a dream or in a trance. Students worked hard and really burned the midnight candle. I pay tribute to the administration that never stopped believing in me. Thus, it sent me to attend workshops with the result that for the first time in my teaching career, i had 100 percent,” she said.
Rural day secondary schools such as Chipangayi don’t have infrastructure that inspire anyone. However, they have been consistent in delivering quality education to students over the years.
Sydney Togara, a social observer noted that these schools are the unsung heroes of the education system. He questioned the idea behind the top 100 schools phenomena when the cut off point for mission and private schools is different from that of rural day secondary schools.
“At rural day secondary school, everyone is enrolled yet at mission schools, the cut off point is non-negotiable. Invariably, the top 100 is dominated by mission schools. It is my considered view that rural day secondary schools must compete on their own,” said Togara.
What makes Chipangayi Secondary School to be a consistent conveyor belt of passing students?
The head, Mr James Dhube, said it was due to the good rapport that exists among parents, teachers and students.
“As administrators, we put in place weekend studies whereby all O Level students have supervised weekend studies. Those who live close to the school come for night studies every day. Parents support in those endeavours.
Moreover, all teachers attend subject workshops that ultimately benefit the students,” he said.
Outgoing students profusely thanked the teachers and the administration as they felt the staff pushed them to the limit despite the fact that at times they felt they were being abused.
“We thought Mr Sigauke and Mr Dhube were being intrusive when they exhorted us to come for weekend studies. I thank all teachers for helping us even during the holidays. Newspapers linked us to the global village and the school unerringly made sure they were always available. To that end, our language proficiency improved tremendously,” said Ronald Muzondi who passed all subjects despite the 19 units he scored during the Grade Seven examinations.
Mount Selinda High School maintained its first position followed by Mafumise High School.
The Chipangayi community feels that the hard working teachers ought to be recognised through non-monetary incentives. During the AGM held at the school last week, parents urged the head to honour the good work done by the teachers.
A local soccer coach, Kudakwashe Mabaso, said: “Our teachers have shown great commitment and dedication. To that end, our community can think about teachers when there are land allocations deals. Council can avail free stands to these teachers.”
His sentiments were echoed by Clever Sigauke, the deputy headmaster, who said: “Our teacher turnover is low and that stability is important in grinding out good results. I have been here since 1990.”
He must know as he has consistently brought good results in Building Studies, a subject he is very passionate about.
In 2014, out of 32 students in Building Studies, only two students failed to make the grade. He attributes his success to close connection with the students.
It remains to be seen whether 2015 will bring smiles to the community again as has happened in the 2014 O-Level November examinations. Actually, the head, Mr Dhube, hopes to eclipse Mount Selinda High School from the top of the pile although he enrols anyway and anyhow.
Online Reporter