No clarity for private Zimsec candidates on CALAs

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now Reporter

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the fate of Continuous Assessment Learning Activity marks for private candidates as the new curriculum, with its emphasis on School-Based Projects , takes center stage. With the June examinations looming and the November session on the horizon, many candidates and teachers are grappling with a lack of clarity regarding the status of previously earned CALA marks.

The transition to SBP has left many questioning the relevance of prior CALA assessments, particularly for those private candidates who are not affiliated with a traditional school setting. This confusion is further compounded by the absence of official communication from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council.

Emily Kabanda, a teacher at Budiriro 1 High School, articulated the widespread concern, stating, "As it stands, we only know that CALA marks will still apply for the June examinations. Beyond that, we have no clear direction from ZIMSEC on what will happen in November. Parents and students are coming to us with questions, but we have no answers because there is no official communication."

The situation is particularly perplexing for private candidates who face the prospect of undertaking SBP without the structured support of a school environment. Kabanda highlighted this challenge, saying, "If SBP is to replace CALA, it is not clear how private candidates will be assessed or whether teachers will have a role in assisting them. Parents want to know if their children will have to redo assessments, and if so, who will be responsible for guiding them. We are also in the dark on whether those rewriting in November will need to redo the projects."

The lack of guidance from ZIMSEC has left a significant information vacuum. Efforts to obtain clarification from key figures within the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education proved unsuccessful. Minister Dr. Torerayi Moyo was unavailable for comment, and calls to ZIMSEC Director Professor Paul Mapfumo went unanswered.

When contacted, the ministry’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, offered a brief response, stating, “We will be back to you,” but failed to provide any further details.