Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has reportedly increased the number of subjects to be written by Grade 7 pupils to six.
Physical Education and Arts (PEA) has been introduced as an examinable subject to add to the traditional subjects; English, Maths, Shona, General Paper and Agriculture which was introduced recently.
General Paper has been renamed Social Sciences, with the family, religion and moral education as a topic which constitutes 50% of the examination.
The contents of the Social Science subject and Agriculture have been drastically changed as well. Prominent journalist Happi Zengeni said via Twitter:
Physical Education and Arts (PEA) has been introduced as an examinable subject at Grade 7 with effect from this year, bringing to six the number of subjects written by final-year primary pupils.
Content would include topics such as visual and performing arts, which will constitute 50% of the examination while physical education, sports and MASS DISPLAYS should make up the other 50% and shall be written as one multiple-choice examination paper.
Former general paper changes its name to Social Sciences with the family, religion and moral education as a topic which constitutes 50% of the examination.
Agriculture will now include science and technology with the agriculture component making up 50% of the examination paper. Science and technology will make up 30% while ICT will make up the rest.
Commenting on Zengeni’s post, University of Zimbabwe law lecturer and MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere it was important that Grade 7 pupils were taught “civics”. She said:
I wish Grade 7 pupils would be taught civics – the structure of Central & Local Govt, how to vote, their Constitutional rights, how Parliament functions, the basics of law-making, legal functions of the Police & general skills that will empower them & create strong citizens.
