BCC schools excel in Zimsec Grade 7 examinations

Bulawayo City Council (BCC) schools have once again demonstrated their educational excellence, recording an impressive 64.65% pass rate in the 2024 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Grade 7 final examinations. This result is well above the national average of 49.01%, with 3,661 out of 5,663 candidates passing.

Malindela Primary School emerged as the standout performer, achieving a remarkable 92.31% pass rate, significantly improving from 79.53% in 2023. The school's consistent performance underscores its status as a leader in educational achievement within the BCC.

Following closely behind, Ntshamathe Primary School also demonstrated strong improvement, rising to an 80.13% pass rate from 75.46% last year. Mgiqika Primary School made a significant leap, climbing from sixth to third place with an 80% pass rate, up from 73.13% in 2023.

Sigombe Primary School was recognized as the most improved institution, with its pass rate increasing from 47.90% to 66.67%, marking a significant leap in its performance and moving up from 25th to 14th position in the rankings.

However, not all schools saw improvements. Aisleby Primary School recorded a pass rate of only 10.26%, finishing second from the bottom. St Peters Primary School also saw a decline, with its pass rate dropping to 5% from 12.68% last year.

Despite some challenges, the overall performance of BCC schools has been positive, with 27 schools achieving pass rates above 50%. The performance of Malindela Primary School, with a pass rate surpassing 90%, was particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, 33 learners from BCC schools earned the highest distinction, scoring six units in all subjects.

BCC expressed pride in the accomplishments of its primary schools, both in terms of results and overall development. However, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Moyo highlighted the urgent need for improvements at Aisleby Primary School, which is grappling with several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and high staff turnover.

Clr Moyo proposed solutions such as the construction of new teacher cottages and better transport options for staff to ease the difficulties faced by the school's personnel.

Aisleby Primary School has faced persistent challenges, with its Development Committee chairperson, Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo, explaining that the school is located on a council farm and contends with several infrastructural issues. These include dilapidated teacher cottages, an outdated sewer system, and a road leading to the school that is nearly impassable.

"Teachers are forced to walk several kilometers after alighting from public transport due to the poor road conditions. The school also lacks electricity, experiences high staff turnover, and struggles with fee collection," said Clr Khumalo.

However, she expressed optimism about future improvements, citing ongoing support from the NGO Thembalezizwe Trust, which is assisting the school in overcoming these challenges.

Despite its difficulties, Aisleby Primary School's plight is being addressed with the hope that these efforts will soon result in a more conducive environment for learning.

BCC remains committed to enhancing the quality of education in the city, focusing on both academic achievements and infrastructural improvements. The impressive results in the 2024 Zimsec Grade 7 examinations are a testament to the hard work and dedication of both students and teachers, as well as the ongoing commitment to developing Bulawayo's education sector.