Govt approves vacation school for exam classes in August

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has permitted schools to conduct vacation school for the August 2024 schools holiday for examination classes saying these must be done to allow learners to catch up and must be done following ministry regulations.

Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Mr Moses Mhike said learners can benefit from extra support that will be offered by the teachers during the school holidays.

“It is recognised that schools have different challenges that may have affected their syllabus coverage and necessitated the conduct of vacation school for examination classes. All must be cognisant of the need to prevent the ever-escalating cost of teaching and learning for parents, particularly in view of the disadvantaged pupils who otherwise would not benefit from extra support.

“Therefore, for the year, 2024, authority is granted for schools to conduct vacation school during the August holidays for the examination classes of Grade Seven, Form Four and Upper Six. The holiday lessons will take place between 19 and 30 August, a period of ten days,” said Mr Mhike in a statement.

Mr Mhike said primary schools will charge US$2 per Learning Area per Grade 7 pupil or its equivalent bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold currency.  Secondary Schools will charge US$3 per Learning Area for Form Four and US$5 per Learning Area for Upper Six or its equivalent bank rate in Zimbabwe Gold.

Borders are expected to pay an extra US$4 per day for their upkeep during the Vacation School period.

The Secretary said parents and guardians should receive receipts at the point of payment and proper books of accounts must be effectively managed and maintained for audit trail.

“The Vacation School should be fully supervised and monitored by the Inspectorate, together with the District Literacy Coordinators and the Remedial Tutors. Pupils should turn out in their school uniforms and teachers should be appropriately dressed. Every effort should be made to engage parents and /or guardians so that all candidates benefit from the Vacation School,” added Mr Mhike.