A closer look on Tasks

Many formal schools have now fully adopted the new curriculum, with tasks received by registered schools and due for submission before end of this term.

This is a practical approach to learning and students record their observations, recite poems and totems, measure dimensions of their classrooms or identity problems of the community.

It must be noted that, the tasks are not treated like college level assignments or projects. The role of the teachers is to assist and guide the students during the task. They award marks and keep the files of all the records which will be submitted to Zimsec for grading.

The information is not yet readily available on the internet for reasons best known by the ministry and exam board. Schools who are yet to receive tasks communicates directly with Zimsec and receive instructions to download the task.

If a teacher is facing some challenges during the process, he or she must consult subject specialist at a school, zone or district for assistance.

However, some documents like marking schemes for tasks are confidential.

This means unregistered schools are not part of the new curriculum. They should either register with the ministry or adopt Cambridge IGSCE exams which don't need course work

Are you at a formal school and yet to receive the tasks?

Tasks and Projects Received In Schools

The tasks and projects for Form 3's and Lower Six have been received in many schools. There is no turning back on the new curriculum as schools are now fulfilling the requirements of the new curriculum.

Many private colleges have been insisting that new curriculum is still a pipe dream but the Ministry has exhibited its commitment to the promises made since last year. Workshops on how teachers will handle the task are almost done.

If you were contemplating to continue sending your child to an unregistered college or school, it's time you consider either to chose between Cambridge IGCSE or join the government or registered schools for the new curriculum.

Only recognized teachers will facilitate the whole process of coursework and submit the learners files for considerations to the exam board. The ministry set the minimum requirements for the teacher professional standards (tps) which is the pillar for the new curriculum. 

This means a student must register the seven compulsory subjects and other subjects that will determine A Level learning areas. The core subjects are 

1. English Language 

2. General Mathematics 

3. Combined Science 

4. Indigenous Languages 

5. Heritage Studies 

6. Agriculture 

7. Physical Education

However, these will not determine the A Level learning areas and general mathematics and combined science are not a pre-requisite to A Level Pure Mathematics and Pure Sciences. For one to study A Level Pure Mathematics or Statistics he or she must start at form 3 with expected pre-requisites.

Some of the subjects at O Level that will determine A Level learning areas are 

1. Pure Mathematics 

2. Statistics

3. Biology

4. Physics 

5. Chemistry

6. History 

7. Geography (now a science subject) 

The new curriculum emphasis On psychomotor skills and life skills that will form a strong basis for entrepreneurship in the long run. Although some were criticizing the new curriculum, the appearance and emphasis is a great deal for the future generations. 

NB: FigTree App will be offering the video content for the new curriculum for FREE starting 2018. Mathematics and Combined Science content will also be available on our Facebook page and YouTube. Like our Facebook today for updates on the new video content