educational opportunities
An average schoolhouse
Overall, the education offered in Zimbabwe is good quality, and was ranked in the top three of Africa's best education. All educational opportunities are open to men just as much as women. The academic year runs from January to December, which means no summer break. However, they still have holiday breaks, so overall they are in school for 40 weeks a year. Also, the school year is divided into three terms. This education system has both a primary and a secondary school for students. Primary school is for grades 1-7, and secondary school goes by forms 1-6 (equivalent to grades 8-13).
Most kids begin their primary education in 1st grade when they are between 5 and 7 years old. It is not required to complete primary school, or any of the schools following it, and students are allowed to drop out at any time. Because of this, the average years of schooling is 5.4. In primary school, there are three classes students are required to take each year. These classes are:
· Math · English · Shona or Ndebele- a combination of topics in science and social studies After completing grades 1-7, the students will continue on to secondary school. |
In secondary school, students complete forms 1-6. Secondary school consists of three levels; ZJC, "O", and "A."
ZJC (forms 1-2) Students entering form 1 compete for places in the best private schools and are chosen based on their results of finals from grade 7. The core curriculum for ZJC includes: English, Shona or Ndebele, Math, Science, History, Geography, Bible Knowledge, and one practical subject (ex. food and nutrition). |
"O" Level (forms 3-4)
In the "O" level, the students are assigned to courses based on their reports from ZJC. The students take 8 or 9 subjects in this level. Some examples of subjects include biology, economics, agriculture, music, history, metalwork, geography, and religious education. In this level, all the grades given are by letter. These letters from highest ranking to lowest are A,B,C,D,E, and U. An A, B, or a C is a passing grade. Students must pass 5 classes to move on to the "A" level.
"A" Level (forms 5-6)
At this level, the students choose from one of the three main categories to complete their schooling in. The main three categories are:
· Arts:-English Literature, Geography, History, Art, Music, French…
· Commercial: Economics, Account, Computer Science, Statistics…
· Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math…
To qualify for a university, students have to complete all 13 years of schooling; primary and secondary schools. The average university fee was $125 US dollars a year, but because of the economy, the prices skyrocketed in 2009. The average fee is now $720 US dollars.
In the "O" level, the students are assigned to courses based on their reports from ZJC. The students take 8 or 9 subjects in this level. Some examples of subjects include biology, economics, agriculture, music, history, metalwork, geography, and religious education. In this level, all the grades given are by letter. These letters from highest ranking to lowest are A,B,C,D,E, and U. An A, B, or a C is a passing grade. Students must pass 5 classes to move on to the "A" level.
"A" Level (forms 5-6)
At this level, the students choose from one of the three main categories to complete their schooling in. The main three categories are:
· Arts:-English Literature, Geography, History, Art, Music, French…
· Commercial: Economics, Account, Computer Science, Statistics…
· Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math…
To qualify for a university, students have to complete all 13 years of schooling; primary and secondary schools. The average university fee was $125 US dollars a year, but because of the economy, the prices skyrocketed in 2009. The average fee is now $720 US dollars.