Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
St Peter Claver School is making waves in the education sector with its commitment to providing high-quality, heritage-based education that empowers students to participate fully in socio-economic affairs.
With a strong Catholic Jesuit ethos, the school is dedicated to fostering a culture of commitment and integrity among its students.
The school, which was recently awarded with the 2023 Secretary’s Merit Awards mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to improve their quality of life and contribute to building a better society.
By emphasising the importance of heritage-based education, St Peter Claver School Headmaster Settled Bozho said the school is helping students connect with their roots and develop a sense of identity and purpose.
“St Peter Claver Primary School aspires to be an effective and efficient school in Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe providing inclusive, quality, heritage based primary education to Zimbabwean citizenry.
“STEM subjects are interwoven into the Heritage Based Curriculum, with projects and activities that allow learners to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
“St Peter Claver Primary has projects like aquaculture. These projects which began in 2023 is being run by learners. Aquaculture will help them to think critically and solve problems creatively and develop innovative solutions. We sell fresh fish to the local community” he said.
Factors contributing to high stem uptake are computer laboratory, infrastructure, aquaculture, broilers, road runners and layers, goat keeping, rabbit and guinea pigs, vegetable gardening and herbal garden and environmental clubs
St Peter Claver Primary School has demonstrated a strong, high, uptake in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) evidenced by increased learner participation in STEM-related projects and activities and a noticeable improvement in STEM related academic performance.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (PS) Moses Mhike St said Peter Claver Primary School stood out as a model of excellence in the adoption of STEAM education and inclusive learning, fully aligning with the year’s Secretary’s Merit Award criteria.
“The school successfully implements the Heritage-Based Curriculum, STEAM subjects, empowering pupils to apply knowledge through real-world, hands-on projects. The fully equipped computer laboratory, with thirty desktops, a projector, printer, and modern furniture enabled the introduction of robotics and digital literacy from early grades.
“Its infrastructure includes the construction of multiple classroom blocks, a solar-powered borehole system, a state-of-the-art infant ablution block, and a culture centre that celebrates identity and heritage.
‘‘The school fosters industrialisation and innovation through pupil-run projects such as aquaculture, broiler and layer production, goat rearing, rabbit and guinea pig keeping, and herbal and vegetable gardens.
“These initiatives not only enhance problem-solving and project management skills but also contribute to community food security and income generation.
“Its Environmental Club cultivated a culture of sustainability, working in collaboration with partners like St Dominic’s Environmental Club and promoting horticulture and landscaping skills.
“Through this comprehensive, pupil-centred approach, St Peter Claver Primary not only promoted measurable academic success but also ensured gender-balanced and inclusive participation in all facets of its STEAM-driven development,” he said.
