Published: 05 July 2018

GOVERNMENT has vowed to proceed with the November Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) final Science practical examinations as scheduled despite demands by a teachers group to suspend sitting due to inadequate preparation among candidates.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Paul Mavima told NewZimbabwe.com the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) is prepared to administer not only science but all the examinations.

Last month, the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) called on ZIMSEC to suspend the final science practical paper arguing that some schools were being forced to go ahead without even a single laboratory.

The vocal teachers group said there was a shortage of competent personnel to teach the practical subject while citing inadequate science laboratories and basic shortage of learning materials amongst other hiccups.

The union has, therefore, "recommended that ZIMSEC suspends combined science practical exams for November 2018 and revert back to the alternative practical paper."

The basic education Minister however thinks otherwise.

"Such fears are unfounded that the science examination practical paper is not well catered for. Such kind of talk that the examinations must be suspended is only aimed at sowing despondence," Mavima said.
- newzimbabwe