Mixed reactions to delayed  classes

Delight Sibanda

BULAWAYO- The government’s decision to defer commencement of Form Five classes until the  second term has sparked mixed reactions from parents.

said it is not possible to make an arrangement that will allow Form Five pupils to start attending lessons this term. 

“It is impossible to have a special arrangement for the Lower Sixth pupils for them to resume classes for the first term. What will happen is that the parents and guardians will use the school holiday to look for places and they will start lessons with the rest of the classes for the second term. For now, we are awaiting ZIMSEC to release the Ordinary Level results which I believe is now imminent,” said Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro while briefing state media.

Failure by the Zimbabwe School Examination CounciI (ZIMSEC) to release Ordinary Level results on time has resulted in the delay of Lower 6th classes. 

“ I am happy because this wait gives us time to prepare in terms of fees, books and uniforms,” said Simangele Moyo,  a parent.

However, some  parents have reservations on the decision as  it means their children will take longer to complete their A’ Level therefore spending more in fees, boarding and uniforms. “The delay in completion of A’ Level will cause us to spend more money  than we should have ,” said Beauty Dube.

Most sporting activities are normally done during the first term and starting Form Five classes in the second term means students will  miss out on most sports. 

“The decision will  inconvenience some of us because  not everyone is gifted academically.  I love sports but the opportunity to participate has been  taken away,” said Zinzile Khumalo, a prospective A’ Level student.

O’ Level results are normally released towards the end of January so that Form Five students start attending lessons in the first term. A markers’ strike over unpaid allowances might have caused the delay of results.