Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
St. Philips Magwenya High School in Guruve, Mashonaland Central Province, has made history by winning the 2024 Secretary’s Merit Award in its province.
The school’s exceptional performance in academics, infrastructure development, and commercial ventures earned it this prestigious recognition.
According to the school’s impressive statistics, it recorded a remarkable 77 percent pass rate at ‘O’ Level and an impressive 100 percent at ‘A’ Level in 2024.
This success can be attributed to interventions such as remedial programs, teacher development, and the presence of ZIMSEC markers across various learning areas.
As a result of its outstanding performance, St. Philips Magwenya High School received rizes, including two pigs, a projector, an interactive board, a tablet, textbooks, a certificate, and the Secretary’s Bell.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (PS)Moses Mhike said the school has made significant strides in STEM education, introducing pure sciences at ‘A’ Level.
“The school made a significant leap in STEM education by introducing pure sciences at ‘A’ Level, with its first cohort in 2024 producing outstanding results, including four candidates scoring 15 points.
“Infrastructure saw major upgrades, including the construction of compartmentalised hostels, classroom tiling, additional teachers’ houses, and the establishment of biogas, solar borehole systems, all contributing to a modern and conducive learning environment.
“St. Philips Magwenya’s Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is thriving, supported by a vibrant garden, livestock, and orchard projects. This initiative ensures that no pupil goes hungry while promoting self-sustainability.
“The school’s commercial ventures, including piggery, poultry, fisheries, sculpting, fence-making, and a grinding mill, not only sustain the school but also empower pupils and the surrounding community with lifelong skills.
Dr. Nyatsanza, Education Secretary of the Anglican Diocese, praised the school’s remarkable success, attributing it to the tireless efforts of its headmaster, staff, development committee, and board of governance.
“St. Phillips Magwenya School’s remarkable success is a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic education.
The headmaster’s receptiveness to guidance from the school’s management board and the diocese’s education department has been instrumental in this journey.
“We recall the Bishop’s Merit award, where St. Phillips Magwenya emerged as the most improved school among all church schools, marking a significant milestone. The school has transformed from a once-underrated institution to a thriving center of excellence.
“Innovative projects like piggery, farming, poultry, and the biogas plant demonstrate the school’s commitment to holistic education. Academic results have also soared, with 100 percent A-Level pass rate from 79 percent, and O-Level results steadily improving.
“As the responsible authority, the Anglican Diocese takes great pride in St. Phillips Magwenya’s achievements. On behalf of Bishop Farai Mutamiri, I extend warmest congratulations to the school community. We envision St. Phillips Magwenya reaching greater heights, ultimately achieving a permanent Secretary’s Merit award at the national level. Well done, and may you continue to excel,” he said.
