Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
WITH the countdown to the reopening of schools for the third term now under way, the Government has issued key guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe return for pupils, focusing on effective teaching and learning across the country.
Schools reopen next Tuesday following the August holidays, ushering in one of the busiest and most important terms on the education calendar, with Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level candidates preparing for their end-of-year examinations.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education called on pupils, teachers, school heads, administrators, parents and other stakeholders to recommit themselves to providing quality, inclusive and equitable education, while ensuring that teaching and learning remain the central focus in every school.
It reiterated that every child has a right to education and urged schools to ensure that children with disabilities, vulnerable pupils and those returning to Zimbabwe from outside the country are welcomed, enrolled and appropriately supported.
“No eligible child should be denied the opportunity to attend school,” said the ministry.
“The ministry appeals to parents and guardians to pay approved school fees and levies on or before the opening of schools to ensure the smooth running of school operations and the provision of essential educational services.
“The obligation to pay approved fees and levies remains with parents and guardians. The ministry emphasises that fees and levies are payable in accordance with Zimbabwean fiscal and monetary laws and regulations.”
The ministry reminded schools that parents and guardians are free to purchase uniforms and stationery from wherever they find it reasonable, provided the items meet the specifications set by schools.
Heads of schools and responsible authorities, whether Government or non-Government, have been warned against making it mandatory for parents to purchase uniforms and stationery exclusively from schools.
The third term will also see the continued implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, with schools expected to promote the holistic development of pupils through national values, heritage, skills, knowledge and competencies.
At the same time, schools must maintain a strong focus on preparing candidates for ZIMSEC examinations and other approved national assessments.
The ministry said all examination centres should ensure that candidates are adequately prepared and supported to sit their examinations successfully, while non-examination classes should undertake their school-based end-of-year assessments.
“As we begin this important term, let us ensure that every child is in school, every teacher is teaching and every school remains focused on quality teaching, meaningful learning and improved educational outcomes,” said the ministry.
Schools and examination centres have further been urged to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the examination process by ensuring that the preparation and administration of examinations are conducted smoothly and in accordance with requirements.
The safe transportation of pupils has also been highlighted as a priority, particularly for day scholars who commute between home and school daily.
“All arrangements for transporting pupils must prioritise their safety and well-being. Parents and schools are urged to ensure that vehicles used to transport pupils are roadworthy, properly licensed and not overloaded,” said the ministry.
Transport operators must also strictly observe road safety and traffic regulations, while parents and schools have been encouraged to exercise due diligence when selecting and monitoring transport providers.
The measures are intended to minimise the risk of road traffic accidents, overloading and other dangers associated with pupil transportation.
The ministry has called for collective responsibility among school authorities, teachers, parents, guardians, communities, development partners, civil society organisations, teacher unions and other stakeholders to ensure a successful third term.
Pupils have been urged to return to school with renewed commitment, discipline and determination to learn, while teachers and school administrators have been encouraged to foster safe, inclusive, supportive and productive learning environments. With the new term set to begin next week, the ministry said its priority remained ensuring that every child is in school, every teacher is teaching and every school is focused on quality teaching, meaningful learning and improved educational outcomes.
The ministry has also urged schools to protect instructional time during the term, despite a calendar that includes several national and educational activities.
These include the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, World Literacy Day and the National Annual Science, Sport and Arts Festival (NASSAF), among other programmes.
While schools are encouraged to participate meaningfully in these activities, the ministry said they must be organised in a manner that does not compromise teaching and learning.
The Government said adherence to the guidelines would help create inclusive, compliant and stable learning environments and ensure a productive third term for all pupils.
