BUSE opens model science subjects only high school

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwe’s leading Science teachers training university, Bindura University of Science Education has accelerated Zimbabwe’s vision to have innovative scientists and researchers in its endeavour to re-industrialise and create employment by 2030, after introducing the first-ever Science subjects only high school in the country.

The school has already opened its doors for Advanced Level pupils with fees pegged at US$450

Bindura University of Science Education’s model high school is offering both boarding and day school facilities to its pupils.

Subjects on offer include Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Computer Sciences, with junior classes set for introduction from next year.

School principal, Dr. Gracious Zinyeka said they expect grooming pupils who will fit into the global Science space.

“We are not only grooming content mastering students but students who will have innovative quality traits, critical thinking, problem solving techniques, creativeness, science-oriented and ethically wholesome students,” he said.

The school has built scientific infrastructure which is unique and favourable for students who desire to enrol.

“We have science laboratories, highly qualified science teachers and quality classrooms,” he said.

Enrolment is ongoing and by Thursday, at least 30 pupils had registered.

Application fee is US$20.

Furthermore, the school has a medical facility for the benefit of the learners.

Acting Chairperson Science and Maths Education Department in the Faculty of Science Education, Dr. Edison Mudzamiri said they are delighted to be one of the drivers of the school in impacting science knowledge and developing the country.

“We are a seasoned team and are ready to work with the students in creating a better innovative environment.”

The high school is, meanwhile going to be offering the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council syllabus with plans to introduce Cambridge already underway.

Dr. Zinyeka said in terms of discipline, parents should not be worried because the school will resemble a normal high school with respect to children discipline.

He said the high school learners will not mingle with university students though they will be sharing the same hostel apartments.

The school is not looking for the crème de le crème of pupils in recent examinations.

“We believe that for a doctor to be credited for good work, he would have helped a seriously ill person not someone who is already fit.

“If he treats a seriously ill person and that person recovers, then he shall have the reason to ululate and be happy.

“It is the same with us here, we want everyone who passed their Ordinary Level.

“We will mould them into innovative scientists,” added Dr. Zinyeka.

To distinguish the high school pupils from their university brothers and sisters, the pupils will put on uniform.

Acting Mashonaland Central provincial education director, Dr. Themba Mangwiro hailed BUSE’s innovativeness and called other universities to emulate.

He said the province has a shortage of schools, worse secondary schools, offering STEM subjects.

Besides having a shortage of schools offering pure STEM subjects, the province is also facing a shortage of Science teachers, especially in rural communities.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerai Moyo, speaking at the Masvingo Teachers’ College graduation ceremony last year, called for private players to also support government’s efforts to establish schools.