Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Hwange
THIS year’s third term is not an ordinary examination cycle, but it carries particular significance because it marks the implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum, with learners sitting the national examinations under this curriculum for the first time.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo, while addressing Matabeleland North school heads at Coalfields Primary School in Hwange on Friday, said the term is therefore not an ordinary examination cycle but an important national moment at which the education system will begin to obtain substantive evidence on the extent to which the curriculum has translated into the intended competencies, knowledge, values, skills and capabilities among learners.
“The successful implementation of a heritage-based curriculum cannot be measured solely by examination performance. It must also be reflected in the learner’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, innovate, collaborate, create and apply knowledge to real-life circumstances. I therefore expect every school head to approach this term with exceptional professional discipline,” said Minister Moyo.
He said teaching must be purposeful, assessment must be continuous, learner progress must be monitored systematically and interventions must be informed by evidence.
He called upon school heads to know which learners are progressing, which are falling behind, what competencies they have acquired and where additional support is required.
“These examinations must be managed with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The credibility of our assessment system depends upon the confidence that examinations are administered securely, fairly and in accordance with established requirements. I wish to commend all Heads of Schools for the professionalism and vigilance you have demonstrated in managing national examinations during the three years that I have been in office,” said Minister Moyo.
He said examinations have been conducted without leakages, a significant achievement that reflects the school heads’ commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the assessment system, adding that examination integrity is not merely an administrative responsibility but is a matter of national trust.
