SOS HERMANN GMEINER HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY

Maria Chiguvari

SOS Hermann Gmeiner High School principal, Perpetua Masarira, says the school is committed to nurturing students by promoting academic excellence and developing well rounded individuals.

During a Speech and Prize Giving Day held last week, Masarira said despite challenges faced by the school, they have managed to forge ahead.

Last year, the overall ZIMSEC examinations was 53.6% for O’ Level and the most outstanding results were in history which produced 74 As and English Language, which had an overall of 84% pass rate.

The A’ Level had a 96%, pass rate, three students scooped 15 points, among them is Angelbert Shangwa, who was awarded a scholarship to study in India.

“On this day, we honour learners who have achieved remarkable success in various disciplines, including academic, sporting and cultural activities.

“Your hard work, perseverance and passion have earned you this recognition, therefore, it is your opportunity to Arise and Shine.

“As we celebrate the success of our learners, we would also want to acknowledge our notable achievements as SOS Hermann Gmeiner High School.

“Last year we had 80% pass rate, which is excellent. We have introduced combo textbooks for Form One and Form Five classes to cultivate a reading culture among the learners as they have reading resources at their disposal, both at home and at school.

The guest of honour, Dr Tapera Chikandiwa, praised the school for fully implementing the Heritage Curriculum.

“I am happy to note that SOS Hermann Gmeiner High School is fully implementing the Heritage Curriculum which is based on producing goods and services useful to the economy based on the country’s heritage or natural endowments.

“It seeks to ensure that pupils acquire skills, values and attitudes that are useful in life and this is clearly evident in the STEM and vocational/ technical subjects offered at this school,” he said.

The School Development Committee chairperson, Gilbert Muhombe, said he was pleased with the work the school has achieved.

SOS HERMANN GMEINER HIGH SCHOOL PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY

“This year, we planned to test ourselves if, at all, we are giant farmers. Yes, indeed, we passed the litmus test, we are now wheat growers.

“We have done it on a small scale. Next season, we are planning to do it commercially. I am quite pleased to say that our students are taking an active role in growing the crop.

“The project has not escaped the eyes of AGRITEX officials. What I appreciate most about this project is the fact that a journey of a thousand miles has started with a step,” he said.

The school has adapted smoothly to the Heritage Based Curriculum which focuses on preserving and promoting cultural heritage traditions and values.

The school also offers eight HEXCO courses that equip learners for their future endeavours.

On offer are the following courses – Bakery studies, Brick and Block Laying, Cabinet Making, Computer Operations and packages, Basic Welding Techniques, Ornamental Horticulture, Garment Construction and Embroidery.

Sign Language has been introduced to empower learners with communication and interpretation skills for people living with speech and hearing impairments, changing societal attitudes towards them.

The school also introduced Ndebele language at club level and plans to incorporate both Sign Language and Ndebele into the school curriculum are currently underway.

Furthermore, the school has also introduced Robotics as a club to equip learners with hands on skills that will help them in the future.

The school’s Olinda Chare has been selected to be in the Zimbabwe Under-19 Women’s Cricket team.

Our chess team also qualified for Minerva National Competitions and our Under 16 Softball team attained third position at the at the national finals.

Last, but not least, the debate and public speaking club has excelled in Orate Africa and Spelling Bee national competitions.

This has seen Letticia Kasivile scooping the first prize for Setswana public speaking and Clive Manyani scooping the second position in Shona public speaking.

The schools debate team has qualified for Orate Regional competitions scheduled for Botswana in December.

The club has given birth to the Junior Minister of State for Devolution, Honourable Clive Manyani, the Junior Town Clerk, Michael Macheka, who ard both in Lower Sixth class.