Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has commended Pumula High School for its notable efforts in advancing quality, inclusive and competency-based Heritage-Based Education in Bulawayo.
Speaking at the Secretary’s Merit Award ceremony held at the school last Friday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Moses Mhike, said the institution’s trajectory demonstrates the positive outcomes achievable when schools adopt the Heritage-Based Curriculum with commitment, vision and purpose.
“Pumula High School’s story reflects resilience, growth and transformation. Established in 1983 as an Ordinary Level institution and attaining Advanced Level status in 2004, the school has steadily evolved into an institution associated with excellence. Through determination and commitment, it has continued to rise as a beacon of educational progress,” said Mr Mhike.
He said one of the most encouraging aspects of the school’s development is its sustained commitment to implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum through practical skills development and competency-based learning. While academic outcomes remain important indicators of progress, he noted that educational excellence cannot be measured solely by pass rates.
“In this regard, we are pleased to observe encouraging trends in Pumula High School’s academic performance over the past three years. At Ordinary Level, the school has shown steady improvement, with pass rates increasing from 35.9 percent in 2023 to 36.44 percent in 2024 and further rising to 41.59 percent in 2025.
“Equally impressive has been the performance at Advanced Level, where the school achieved a pass rate of 88.2 percent in 2023, followed by 87.5 percent in 2024 before rising significantly to an outstanding 96.64 percent in 2025,” said the Permanent Secretary.
Mr Mhike said the upward trends reflect resilience, determination and a commitment to continuous improvement, adding that the statistics go beyond figures to tell a story of growth, perseverance and transformation. He said they demonstrate that educational interventions and learner-centred approaches are yielding tangible results.
“Pumula High School’s achievements extend beyond academics. The school has demonstrated exceptional performance across sporting disciplines including athletics, darts, chess and several other sporting activities. Successes in quiz competitions, public speaking and scholastic competitions further reflect a culture of excellence and holistic learner development,” said Mr Mhike.
He said the school’s entrepreneurship initiatives — including poultry production, gardening, sewing, food processing and detergent production — exemplify the practical application of Heritage-Based Curriculum principles.
Mr Mhike said learners are not merely studying entrepreneurship in theory but are actively engaged in productive activities that foster self-reliance and equip them with essential economic skills.
The school has also embraced technological advancement through investments in computer laboratories, smart boards, internet facilities and technology-enhanced learning systems, positioning learners for participation in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
“Furthermore, its commitment to inclusive education and psychosocial support systems shows that quality education must ensure that no learner is left behind. The story of Pumula High School demonstrates that educational excellence does not happen by accident. Excellence is built through vision, hard work, resilience, teamwork, and dedication,” said Mr Mhike.
