Gloag stays true to its roots

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

GLOAG High in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province, continues its proud tradition of producing pupils equipped for life after school, due to its deliberate bias towards practical subjects that give students skills they can use beyond the classroom.

The school, which is run by the United Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), registered impressive results in 2023, garnering 75 and 100 percent pass rates at O and A-level respectively. This was an improvement on the previous year’s pass rate, which saw the school attain 63 percent at O-level and 91,5 percent at A-level.

Speaking during the school’s speech and prize-giving day ceremony yesterday, Gloag High School headmaster Mr Gamuledu Ncube said the school catered to the needs of the intellectually gifted, no child was left behind as those that did not do well academically were given skills that would help them navigate life outside the classroom.

Gloag High School offers its pupils a range of skills in farming that includes rearing of pigs, broilers and gardening. Building is also offered at the school that provides an extensive range of practical skill subjects.

“Our school offers all subjects offered in any school in Zimbabwe. This term we added Computer Science studies to our curriculum. Gloag has a strong bias towards practicals. This is so because this is in Mr Gloag White’s will and also because we believe that those students who will fail to get five O-levels should leave this school with practical skills that can assist them make a living. In the world we live today, employment is in practical fields and sports,” he said.

Mr Ncube said the school’s success was built on a cornerstone of discipline, which had continued for most of this year, giving hope that pass rates might once again improve.

“We had a quiet term. I want to applaud my A-level students who set the tone. It is my prayer and wish that the good conduct we experienced during the year translates to good results in the public exams. One thing definite about our school is that if a child is well-behaved, no matter what the results at Grade 7 could have been, that child stands a chance of passing here at Gloag. If there is one thing that we have perfected as a school, it is the skill of helping a less gifted child pass. Many parents will testify to this,” he said.

Mr Ncube encouraged all stakeholders at Gloag High to continue working together for the betterment of the school.

“To our Ministry and RA, let us continue to place the child at the centre of everything that we do. I am happy to say I have never been denied our request if it has been made in the interest of the child. And to my colleagues, the teaching and non-teaching staff, I can never thank you enough. All the achievements this school has realised has been a result of your efforts. I count myself very lucky to have such supportive workmates,” he said.

The guest of honour at the event, Dr Langalokusa Sibanda, encouraged graduating students to stay true to the values they had learnt at the school as they went to the outside world. A medical doctor by profession, Dr Sibanda is a former pupil at the school.

“To the graduating classes, as you close this chapter and embark on new journeys, remember that the true measure of success lies not in grades or awards, but in the lessons learned, friendships forged, and memories created. The skills and knowledge you’ve acquired will serve as a foundation for your future endeavours. As you move forward, I urge you to pursue your passions with purpose and dedication, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, cultivate empathy, compassion, and kindness — and stay true to your values and principles,” he said.

Dr Sibanda, who is the Project Director of Zimbabwe Technical Assistance Training and Education Centre for Health (Zim-TTECH) in Matabeleland North Province, said pupils should use his experiences of how it was possible to achieve great things with the right amount of ambition.

“Currently I am the Project Director for the same life-changing programme with, Zim-TTECH still being implemented at this school as a recipient of best student prizes during my time at Gloag, I want to inspire you: the sky is truly the limit. Your dedication, hard work, and resilience will propel you to greatness. To the learners of Gloag, I say: Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, strive for excellence, you have the potential to achieve greatness, just like I did,” he said.

Dr Sibanda, who attained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Zimbabwe and earned a Master’s degree in public health from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, credited Gloag High for laying the foundation stones for his success.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your educational journey, and I congratulate each of you on your accomplishments. As a former student, I am thrilled to share my journey as a proud student of this esteemed institution. From passing my O-levels to pioneering the A-level programme, Gloag laid the foundation for my success,” he said.