The Sunday News
Clinton Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
TEACHERS have been encouraged to profile all learners according to their talents so as to afford them the opportunity to be self-reliant in the modern-day world.
Speaking at a prize-giving day ceremony at Northlea High School in Bulawayo on Friday, Bulawayo acting provincial education director Mrs Olicah Kaira said teachers should identify learners’ talents so that they equip them with the necessary skills that will enable them to be self-reliant.
“May I encourage teachers to profile all learners receiving education according to their talents. No child should be left behind. They are all capable. Let us tap into their innovativeness and allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in manicure, pedicure, poultry, piggery and commercial agriculture. When they exit school they should be able to stand on their own and parents should realise the fruits of the education system,” said Mrs Kaira.
This comes after Zimbabwe adopted a new curriculum during the beginning of the year. The new curriculum seeks to improve the quality and relevance of the country’s education system so as to open up opportunities for learners to be skilful and innovative.
Heaping praises on the newly- adopted curriculum Mrs Kaira said; “The new curriculum is guided by the curriculum framework 2015-2017 where emphasis has shifted from content-based teaching and learning to competency-driven learning to capitalise on emerging economic and cultural needs.”
Northlea High school headmaster Mr Peter Gambiza said it was easy for the school to implement the updated curriculum since the school had already been changing with times.
“It was easy for the school to implement the updated curriculum which is targeting Form Ones, Three and Lower Sixth since the school had already been changing with times. All our teachers have been staff developed to handle the updated curriculum. Our departments are also being prepared to handle the updated curriculum,” said Mr Gambiza.
He said the school, which is the reigning provincial champions in the Under-17 and Under-20 handball boys’ teams, continues to excel in various activities.
The school had some of its learners representing the province at national level in different sporting activities.
“We had Robin Mhembere representing us in the Under-20 girls rugby, Zamani Moyo in the Under-14 boys tennis, Gareth Jenkins in the Under-20 boys handball and Beangtsepo Mazhale in the Under-18 boys basketball,” he said.
He added that it was pleasing to note that the trend in the pass rate was also increasing.
“Our Ordinary Level pass rate has also risen from 19 percent in 2014 to 38 percent in 2015 and to 22 percent in 2016. The Advanced Level pass rate also rose from 70,1 percent to 80 percent in 2015 and to 85 percent in 2016,” he said.
