New model for Zimsec exams

Private candidates sitting for public examinations this year are required to register with Zimsec-approved examination centres for continuous assessment, as all examination classes will be subjected to a new model that will combine marks for the assessment and final examination.

This was said by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, adding that Zimsec examinations and the Continuous Assessment Framework, will now form part of the weighted contribution to learner performance outcomes in Grade Seven, Form Four and Form Six public examinations.

The Continuous Assessment Framework ultimately sets out what learners are expected to know and be able to do as a result of their learning in schools and non-formal education, starting from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to secondary level.

In an interview, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education communications and advocacy director Mr Taungana Ndoro said: "Private candidates must register with Zimsec approved examination centres for continuous assessment.

"Continuous assessment emphasises the assessment of knowledge, skills, abilities, values and trends to ascertain the achievement of desired learner exit profiles at any level. At the moment, it will only apply to examination classes.''

Mr Ndoro said continuous assessment will ensure fair marks for every pupil.

Previously, officials said pupils were supposed to be graded based on 40 percent theoretical examinations, 30 percent practical examinations and 30 percent continuous assessment.

The introduction of continuous assessment is set to ensure that the pupil and the teacher concentrate continuously instead of wasting time in between and only concentrating on the eve of final examinations.