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Nokuthula Dube
MORE than 750 000 learners have registered to sit this year’s end-of-year public examinations, with the Grade Seven tests commencing tomorrow.
According to the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec), the number of candidates sitting Ordinary Level exams has increased to 309 624, up from 287 677 in 2023.
However, the number of Advanced Level candidates has slightly dropped to 34 283, from 35 203 last year.
A total of 406 914 candidates are sitting the Grade Seven exams, compared to 392 701 in 2023.
Overall, the number of candidates writing public exams this year has risen by approximately 35 000.
To curb exam malpractices, Zimsec has intensified enforcement of statutory regulations that impose prison sentences on individuals convicted of leaking exam papers.
Further, learners found guilty of the same offence will have their results nullified.
Question papers are being delivered to exam centres under heavy security escort. Additionally, security teams have been deployed nationwide to monitor the conduct of the exams.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Zimsec public relations manager Ms Nicholette Dhlamini-Moyo said: “Grade Seven exams start on September 23 with English Paper 1, while O-Level practicals started on September 16, with the theory examinations starting on October 14 with Mathematics Paper 1.
“A-Level practical examinations started on September 16, with the theoretical exams set to start on October 14 with History Paper 1.”
Zimsec, Ms Dhlamini-Moyo said, was prepared to deal with exam malpractices.
“Zimsec is on high alert in terms of security, with the help of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, State security agents and the Zimbabwe Republic Police as they aim to protect the integrity of the examinations.
“Zimsec is prepared and ready for the upcoming examination sessions.
“We implore all our valued stakeholders to work with Zimsec to maintain the integrity of the examinations.
“There are anonymous tip-off lines which can be used to whistleblow wherever there is suspected maladministration or malpractice,” she added.
Meanwhile, National Association of School Heads president Mr Arthur Maphosa said learning institutions were ready for the exam season.
“We are very much prepared,” he said.
“We are working hand in glove with the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council.
“CALAs (continuous assessment learning activities) moderators are already on the ground . . . and advance question paper information for the practical examinations that are normally written in the second half of September are already out.
“We are hoping for examinations that are free of paper leakages, just like what happened last year.”
Teachers, he added, were busy conducting revision exercises for O-Level and A-Level classes.
Online Reporter