Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)
The 2020 ‘A’ level results have far surpassed many people’s expectations, more so considering teachers’ incapacitation struggles and covid 19 pandemic that led to the protracted closure on 24 March 2020. Schools only opened in September 2020 amid teachers’ incapacitation and failure to prioritise teachers and pupils’ health and safety by government.
Out of 49153 students, 39802 students obtained Grade E or better in two or more subjects. The students therefore achieved an 81% pass rate. This was a decline by 2.1% from the 2019 feat where out of 50734, 42169 pupils obtained Grade E or better in two or more subjects, and thus achieving 83.1% pass rate
Many people have been puzzled by the 2020 pass rate given the bad operational environment. There is even speculation that Zimsec may have lowered the standards in order to ensure that students pass in an attempt to maintain its credibility as an examination centre. That claim falls away at the briefest examination of facts, more so given the poor Grade 7 results for 2020. A consideration of the fact that ‘A’ students had learnt for a full year plus a term, and the issue of specialisation in subjects of a student’s potential may explain why a student could be able to obtain at least two Es and therefore raise the percentage pass rate. Students may have continued to work hard under covid 19 environment and must be commended for the 81% pass rate. The marginal decline can still be explained in terms of prolonged closure of schools due to covid and teachers’ demotivation. While teachers’ pathetic welfare may not be so glaring in these results the 2020 ‘O’ level results would exude this clearly. There is therefore greater need to invest in quality public education by investing more funds in education and in particular paying teachers a living wage. Well paid teachers and fully supported by gvt is a must for a skills revolution in education and achieving Agenda 2030.
Venceremos
Dr Takavafira M. Zhou (Ptuz President)
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