The achievement has, however, been overshadowed by
allegations of irregularities after the school was last year flagged for
possible cheating when learners were found to have shared leaked examination
papers.
However, the November exam results were considered to have
come off a properly run examination at the school.
Only two students who sat last year’s Zimsec A-level could
not make it after failing to pass a minimum two subjects resulting in the
school recording a 98,7 percent pass rate.
While the total number of students who sat for Zimsec A’
Level at the school could not be established yesterday, although the pass rate
suggests a number round about 154, the best performing candidate scored six
to-grade passes to amass 30 points.
The latest results put Pamushana High under the spotlight
after the school was previously fingered in the alleged leak of Zimsec
examination papers when police traced some of the leaked O-level Zimsec final
exam English and Mathematics papers to a pupil at the school.
However, authorities
at the school while confirming the record pass rate downplayed allegations of
examinations paper leaks.
School deputy headmaster Mr Emmanuel Zingoni, who is in
charge of examinations at Pamushana, dismissed allegations of leaks as “street”
talk.
“We owe our good performance in final examinations to hard
work and a unique way of making students prepare for their final examinations.
“Those sitting for their final examinations can, unlike
other schools around Zimbabwe, go on extended study up to 10pm under close
supervision of their teachers.
“This may not be happening at other schools in Zimbabwe,”
said Mr Zingoni.
“Those who talk about leaking examinations at Pamushana may
say that, but they are misinformed that is merely street talk. How can we leak
exam papers when we collect the papers on exam day from Nyika Growth Point
which is about 10km away and with the paper arriving at the school about 15
minutes before the start of the examination. We don’t keep examination papers
at the school.”
Mr Zingoni queried why a professional teacher or school
authorities would risk their employment and reputation by leaking exam papers
“for someone else’s child”.
“We have a dedicated and committed team of teachers, real
professionals who work hard and always aim to make their students pass. We are
indeed lucky to have such a committed team of teachers who are good at their
job. Just that nothing else.”
Masvingo provincial education director Mrs Shylatte Mhike
refused to comment on the results insisting on first seeing them.
“I have only heard about those results, but I have not seen
them. I am in Bulawayo at the moment and it is only appropriate for me to
comment after seeing the results. At the moment I can not say anything,” said
Mrs Mhike.
Pamushana High has over the last few years earned acclaim
both as a sporting and educational powerhouse in Zimbabwe with the school
shattering academic performance records after its students excel in final examinations.
One factor not brought up by the school is that with its
reputation it will get a lot more parents applying for places for their
children than it has places available. This means that with a careful selection
policy, looking at general primary school work as well as Grade 7 results, it
can select pupils who are likely to do well.
At the same time it can maximise talented pupils into its
sixth form, first by eliminating its own O-level pupils who did not pass well
enough, and then by filling vacant places with pupils from other schools with
excellent O levels. Add in good teaching, as Mr Zingono stressed, and it should
get very good results.
Other schools with first class results use a similar system,
of matching good teachers with good pupils, and the combination usually results
in good parents wanting their children at that school, so there is a series of
positive reinforcement. Herald
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