shloboe boe
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
MATOPO High School is basking in pride as it celebrates an extraordinary academic milestone for 2024.
The school’s Ordinary Level students achieved an impressive 92,3 percent pass rate, with 44 earning five
As or more while Advanced Level candidates made history by attaining a perfect 100 percent pass rate – the first-ever in the school’s history.
Out of 209 candidates who sat for O-level, only 16 failed to secure five O-levels. At A-level, the school recorded a flawless 100 percent pass rate, surpassing the 97,5 percent achieved in 2023.
Commenting on the school’s outstanding results, the school head, Mr Gardson Sibanda noted a significant improvement this year.
Notable one student, a young girl Kiara Tichavangana, achieved an exceptional 12 As and 2Bs at O-level, setting a new benchmark for academic excellence.
“Making history at A-level, we are thrilled to have surpassed our previous year’s record, achieving an unprecedented milestone,” said Mr Sibanda.
“Subjects that achieved outstanding A grades included Accounting, Business Studies and Computer Science. The Commercials Department excelled overall, delivering exceptional results, closely followed by the Sciences Department. Notably, we have got 20 pointers achieved who were doing four subjects showcasing academic excellence in these departments,” he added.
Mr Sibanda highlighted that beyond academics, their students excel in various extracurricular activities.
In music, they reached the Nash level and secured fourth position, while their darts team took second place at the same level. However, their strongest suit is athletics, where they consistently rank first at district level.
At the provincial level, they proudly sent 15 learners to participate last year, showcasing their athletic prowess.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the school continues to deliver impressive results. The school bought and handed over 11 laptops to the Heads of Departments (HOD).
“To enhance our educational experience, we have initiated a digitalisation drive by providing laptops to our Heads of Department (HODs). This move aims to mitigate the shortage of textbooks, which have become prohibitively expensive. By leveraging online resources, we are ensuring our students have access to the information they need to succeed,” added Mr Sibanda.
The school head noted that undeterred by the rising costs of textbooks, they are pioneering a new era in education by introducing smart classrooms.
“This innovative approach marks a significant shift from traditional teaching methods, incorporating laptops, projectors and interactive boards to create a more engaging and effective learning environment,” he said.
“By year-end, we aim to have transformed the entire school, enhancing our teaching services and providing a cutting-edge education for our students.”
Mr Sibanda highlighted that to address the electricity challenge, they have taken a proactive step by solarising the entire school.
“The only exception is the boys’ hostel, which is currently undergoing the solarisation process. We have also introduced a biogas system to support our cooking needs, reducing our reliance on expensive generators and promoting sustainability,” he explained.
Mr Sibanda revealed that this year, their enrolment had significantly increased.
“This year’s enrolment has surpassed expectations, with a notable increase in student numbers. Initially, we had planned to admit 900, but our current enrolment stands at 915 and we anticipate further additions before the final tally is complete,” he added.
According to Mathematics Head of Department, Mr Ndabezitha Moyo, achieving a 100 percent pass rate in Pure Mathematics at A-level was a challenging journey. However, through dedication and perseverance, he successfully motivated his students to strive for excellence, ultimately making this impressive feat a reality.
The student who achieved an impressive 20 points, Peace Moyo, in Accounting, Pure Mathematics, Economics, and Computer Science reflected on her journey, describing it as arduous and filled with sleepless nights.
She candidly admitted that there were moments when she felt like surrendering, but her determination and perseverance ultimately paid off.
“I am eagerly looking forward to attending university. My sights are set on broader horizons, as I am currently exploring opportunities to apply for prestigious American scholarships,” she said.
Offering words of wisdom to her younger peers, she emphasised the importance of diligent study and hard work. However, she stressed that above all, they should prioritise their faith, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom.
“With God, you can never go wrong,” she concluded, sharing her heartfelt conviction.
Online Reporter