The Sunday News
Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) is a student continuous assessment method that was implemented from the November 2021 session Zimsec <https://sytech.co.zw/posts/facts-about-zimsec-certificates/> examinations.
CALA includes learning activities, projects or assessment that require learners to perform, demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and proficiency.
It contributes to 30 percent to the students’ final marks, while the rest 70 percent is gained with end of year in class examinations.
CALA was announced in March 2021 by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and was implemented for grade 7, Form 4 and Upper 6, 2021 candidates.
The CALA programme is not new as it is part of the 2015 adopted new curriculum but was set aside due to lack of resources for implementing it.
Learning area
Principles of Accounts; Level: O Level; CALA type: Pen and Paper and Practical; Syllabus topic: Books of Accounting (Syllabus page 18); Syllabus sub-topic: Subsidiary books
CALA title
Financial Literacy and Record Keeping
Competence/skills
Data collection and classification; Research and analysis; Data presentation; Calculations and numerical skills; Interpreting numerical values
Background
Learners are increasingly engaged in entrepreneurship, selling sweets, vegetables, freezits, tomatoes and participate in school and at home.
Some are performing well and some are failing due to lack of financial knowledge.
The CALA Task
Develop a research plan in order to come up with a brief report outlining how you can offer a solution to the above-mentioned problem.
The plan should encompass the following parts, Part A, Part B and Part C.
Part A
Research on goods sold at your school or nearby Tuckshop or businesss (10). Observe and collect data concerning the quantities bought and sold by one business of your choice (15). Record the data in your diary (5)
Part B
Draw up the subsidiary book, i.e columns and labellings of columns (5). Record the information collected in the subsidiary book (15)
PART C
Interpret the information presented and analyse the usefulness of such information (10)
CALA Tips
You may consider the filing of collected documents. You are reminded of the need to present the data accurately and neatness.
Teachers CALA guide
Learning area: Principles of Accounts. Duration: 3 Weeks. Level: O Level. CALA type: Pen and Paper and Practical. Syllabus topic: Books of Accounts(Syllabus page 18 ). Syllabus sub topic: Subsidiary Book. CALA title: Financial Literacy And Record Keeping
Competences/skills
Data collection and classification; Research and analysis; Data presentation; Calculations and numerical skills; Interpreting numerical values
Dimensions/criteria to be assessed
Demonstrating research techniques; Showing evidence of research through record keeping; Drawing up subsidiary books from such information; Using the information recorded to analyse the business performance.
Objectives to be achieved
By the end of the CALA the learner must be able to: Demonstrate research techniques; Show evidence of research through record keeping; Draw up subsidiary books from such information; Use the information recorded to analyse the business performance
CALA assessment procedure
Assessment will be based on evidence of: Selection of the appropriate research technique to gather information. Submission of researched information.
Selection of the relevant subsidiary book and recording of researched information. Presentation and accuracy of the information recorded.
Ability to analyse financial information and suggestion on the usefulness of such information.
CALA Context
Students will collect, calculate and interpret accounting data on local small businesses. They will record and interpret the subsidiary books for the small firms. (source: sytech.co.zw)
