Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ONE of Mutare’s renowned private primary school – Cross Kopje Junior – is celebrating a string of remarkable achievements, solidifying its position as a sought-after institution among parents.
Since its humble beginnings in 2012, with just three learners, the school has grown exponentially, now catering for 250 learners.
The remarkable growth is a testament to the directors’ vision to create a centre of academic excellence, inspiring the community and enriching learners’ lives daily.
The school boasts an impressive 100 percent pass-rate in the ZIMSEC Grade Seven examinations since its inception.
Additionally, Cross Kopje Junior has excelled in extracurricular activities, including sports and cultural expeditions.
Last week, the school received the Mutare District Merit Award in recognition of its outstanding achievements in educational excellence.
The accolade underscores the school’s commitment to provide a Christian-centred, inclusive, safe, and caring environment that fosters academic excellence.
According to one of the school directors, Mrs Verna Chirima, Cross Kopje Junior is expanding its infrastructure, constructing a permanent site in Greenside South, which will increase its capacity to accommodate more learners.
Mrs Chirima attributed the school’s success to its team of experienced teachers, who provide quality education in a conducive environment.
“This school opened its doors in January 2012 with just three learners, but within a week, our enrolment grew to 30. To date, we have 250 learners, and since our inception, we have consistently achieved a 100 percent pass-rate in Grade Seven examinations. Maintaining this record is not an easy feat, and we take immense pride in it.
“In the previous year, 17 of our learners achieved six units, earning us fourth place across Mutare District. Our school is registered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and also serves as a ZIMSEC examination centre.
We boast a team of 33 highly competent teachers, providing individual attention and support to our learners in small classes. Our teaching staff are highly qualified, with our headmistress, Mrs Clara Kanoyerera, holding a Master’s Degree, and having served as a headmistress for a considerable period. She has also once held the position of Deputy Manicaland Provincial Education Director.
“Our deputy headmistress, Mrs Stella Saurombe, is equally well-educated, and has decades of experience in the field. All our teachers possess excellent qualifications.
“We offer Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, starting from three years.
Currently, we are constructing our own school premises in Greenside South, where we have already completed an office and administration block. We are working to establish boarding facilities to cater for the growing interest from parents outside Mutare who wish to enroll their children,” said Mrs Chirima.
Mrs Kanoyerera attributed the school’s remarkable success to the nurturing environment they have created, allowing learners to express themselves freely. This approach has yielded impressive results, with the school maintaining a consistently high pass rate. She said Cross Kopje Junior School’s reputation has spread far and wide, attracting learners, not only from Mutare, but also from surrounding towns – lured by their commitment to academic excellence, and its learner-centered approach.
“Our high pass-rate attracts more learners annually. Our learners’ excellent grades facilitate seamless transitions to Form One in high schools. We draw learners from Zimunya, Chigodora, Dangamvura, Chikanga, and surrounding areas, with buses transporting them to school daily. We received the 2024 Mutare District Merit Award, the only private primary school to do so. We provide hot meals during lunch, prepared by experienced chefs in our kitchen. A mid-day meal is essential for young learners,” said Mrs Kanoyerera.
The deputy headmistress, Mrs Stella Saurombe, attributed the school’s high achievements to the low teacher-learner ratio, which enables each learner to receive specialised attention.
She also credited the excellent rapport between the school administration, teachers, parents, learners, and the community for the school’s success.
“What makes our school outstanding is the teacher-learner ratio. We maintain a maximum of 20 learners per classroom, allowing our teachers to conduct one-on-one sessions with each learner. This manageable ratio fosters a conducive learning environment. We enjoy excellent cooperation from parents, and our tripartite association of teachers, parents, and administrators works harmoniously to ensure that we consistently strive for excellence. Our school excels in various sporting activities, consistently ranking top in basketball, netball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and drama.
“Furthermore, our library boasts an extensive collection of textbooks covering all subjects. To broaden our learners’ horizons, we organise educational trips across the country to notable destinations such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Vumba, Nyanga, and Great Zimbabwe,” said Mrs Saurombe.
