Reopening of schools for all learners by November

The Ministry of Information has confirmed that all learners will be able to start attending classes by November and reopening of schools will be in three phases. This will allow monitoring of the covid-19 infections which seems to have been increasing at a lower rate since last stage of lockdown Exam classes for CAMBRIDGE IGCSE reopened on the 14th of Sept, whilst ZIMSEC candidates are expected to reopen on the 28th of SEPTEMBER 2020. According to the ministry, there were no cases recorded in schools since the 14th. The classes expected to start on the 28th are GRADE 7, FORM 4 and FORM 6 exam classes

The next phase will be for GRADE 6, FORM 3 and FORM 5 classes. The government promises to provide personal protective equipment for schools and enforce covid19 regulation to reduce the chances of infections. However, the success of this will depend on the ability of teachers to report for duty, especially in rural areas. The teachers unions demand that the Government increase salary that matches poverty datum line to enable teachers travel to schools and afford basics. According to the unions, many teachers are incapacitated to attend classes given the current salary.

Exam Starting date confirmed

The date for starting Zimsec exams has been confirmed according to post cabinet briefing of 1st September 2020. After consultation with the relevant stakeholders, the ministry has reached the decision to schedule the first examination for 1st December 2020. The schools closed in March of 2020 due to covid19 pandemic and are expected to re-open on the 28th of September this year to resume learning for exam classes. However, some teachers unions are pleading with the ministry to shift the exams to February of 2021 when the effects of the pandemic have eased. This will also compensate learning time lost when the schools were closed. The

School to reopen in September 2020

The Ministry of Education confirmed that they have received a go-ahead to prepare for third term opening of schools for examination sessions. However the ministry is yet to consult with the schools, teachers and parents on schools preparedness to open their

doors during the COVID19 pandemic. June Examination were held under strictly covid19 regulations and not eveb a single case was reported. The Ministry intents to use the same standards to hold examination session slated for December 2020 to January 2021. The schools are reopening for Examination purposes, which means only candidates who registered for Grade 7, O Level and A Level will be allowed to prepare and write their examination from September 2020 to January 2021. Candidates in public schools last attended lessons in March and have only three months to prepare and write their final exams. Majority of private schools were conducting online lessons which provided their candidates adequate time to prepare.

How To Prepare For Mathematics O Level Zimsec

PREPARING FOR PAPER 1

The first paper is popular for being tricky and many candidates confirm they don't finish attempting questions within stipulated time. Today I will focus on how to prepare for the first paper and ways to perform better.

In one of the posts I wrote last year on my blog zimtuts.blogspot.com I highlighted how the first paper is designed to 'steal' your time and the biase of mark distribution. I will highlight new tricks in the next posts on paper 1.

# Tested concepts #

Paper 1 tests almost 90% of the syllabus in 25 - 30 questions. The syllabus specifies that the paper tests all the concepts. There is need to check the whole syllabus sections and compare with the textbook topics to see if it's covering the whole syllabus.

The basic topics tested in the beginning of the paper [question 1 - 13] involves 

- Prime Factors

- Type of numbers

- Square roots

- Fractions and decimals

- Volume, density and mass

- Unit conversions

- Time

- Limit of accuracy 

- Approximations and estimations 

- Scale and map problems

- Similarity

Among other basic topics

Using New General Mathematics Book 3 and 4? Check if these basic topics are covered.

# How to Prepare for the Paper #

One of the reasons why candidates fail is they assume maths is all about complex questions and waste much of their time of optional topics like Cosine rule, transformation or Mensuration.

First start to master basic concepts. The first step in Maths is to know the operands and how they apply to every situation. 

Try to master the following 

- multiples (time - table or Multiples of 1 to 12)

- Factors of numbers up to 100

- Types of numbers 

- Directed numbers 

- Rounding numbers 

- Addition and subtraction of time

- Formulas for areas and other basic calculations 

- Conversions of units 

You will find that most don't finish the paper because they fail to quickly calculate say 9 x 13, or 11 x 12. Someone scribble the whole answer space to calculate these types of basic multiplication.

It might sound fun but it's worth to start by mastering that multiple table at the back of the exercise books. Learn to memorize it by head. If possible expand it up to the multiples of 15 or 20. It will make your life easier in the next topics

The disadvantages of using Book 3 is that you miss most of the concepts covered in Book 1 and 2. It's advisable to first learn those basics before you start to use book 3.

Most teachers expect you to have covers majority of these topics at primary level or Junior Level. If you were not paying attention or did not cover the topics due to various reasons, consider revisiting the principles on your own time and learn the basic rules of numbers.

# What makes Prime Factors Important # 

Finding Prime Factors of numbers is important since it helps you in many concepts including but not limited to 

- finding roots

- Multiples

- Factors

- HCF and LCM

- Factorization 

- Indices

Master how to express a number as product of its prime factors. It will save your life in many principles. 

NB: Do you want to learn these basic principles? Ask for FREE video lessons on basic numbers on 

WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

Why Candidates Fail English Language Exam

About 20 to 30% score a C or better in their English Language and Mathematics exams at O level and these determine pass rate of a center as only those with 5 subjects including these two subjects are considered.

Majority of candidates scores C or better in more than 5 O level subjects but fail English and Mathematics. Majority of these re-sit for the Exam and struggle to pass in more than 2 sittings as a private candidate.

Zimsec statistics for 2017 November Examinations reveals that 13 to 14% are successful in Exams which must be a great concern for those planning a resit 

From our polls and survey, many external candidates fail because 

1. They don't attend lessons for a resit

2. They don't know the basics of grammar 

3. They think there is no need to study the Subject as it is only a 'language'

4. They don't know the structure of the exam and weight of each section to the final mark

5. They repeat the same mistakes which failed them in the last exam

But what really fails you to score a C or better in an English Exam?

#1 Poor Grammar 

Majority don't know parts of speech and parts of sentence, appropriate use of verb tenses and cannot write in their on words. Grammar cost many candidates a lot of marks 

#2 Some Can't write a good essay

Majority of candidates don't even know types of compositions and how to attempt each of these. Some can't even write a simple introduction and don't know what's included in the body or conclusion of any essay

#3 Can't Use Literal Devices 

Literal devices like amplification, registers and discourse markers are of essence when writing compositions. You might be good in grammar but inability to use literal devices or composition techniques you can't earn enough to score a C or better

#4 lack of comprehension skills

Yes, many can't correctly answer comprehension questions and can't express in their own words 

#5 Summary writing 

Summary is a major contributor and majority struggle to identify points to include and how to express in their own words nor shorten/join  the sentences using conjunctions. 

#6 Use of registers 

Majority don't even know how to answer questions on registers. Some cram random words to write in that section

It is imperative that you master all concepts of EnglishLanguage as specified by the syllabus. It's also advisable to start from basics of grammar like parts of speech [articles, verbs, nouns, pronouns etc]

Have you ever checked our step by step video lessons on English Language? WhatsApp +263 733 796 118 

New A Level Combinations New Curriculum Zimsec

Things have changed a bit in the educational sector and learners are starting to specialize for their A Level right from O level. The Learning Areas are Sciences, Mathematics, Arts and Commercials

For one to study  A Level mathematics, she or he has to study and pass 'Pure Mathematics' at O Level. Pure mathematics is like the old additional mathematics at O level and introduces some Basic A Level topics to prepare learners for A Level mathematics. The same goes with statistics, history and all other subjects

The new curriculum emphasizes on 7 compulsory subjects at A Level (which are not considered for A Level) and these are English, General Mathematics, Combined science, Indeginous Language, Heritage Studies, Physical Education and Agriculture.
One cannot take sciences at A Level even if he or she passes Combined Science. In other words, it's like Intergrated Science.

MATHEMATICS COMBINATION

One can specialize in Mathematics subjects only

• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics, and
• Mechanics 

These can be studied as separate subjects and they are no longer considered as one subject like in the old curriculum.

This also imply that one has to study all these subjects at O Level adding to 7 compulsory subjects listed above

SCIENCES 

The sciences subjects in new curriculum are 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics 
• Geography
• Computer Science

However, one can take Pure Mathematics/Statistics/Mechanics and other two learning areas listed above 

COMMERCIALS

Commercials learning areas are 

• Economics
• Business Studies 
• Accounting 

You can also take Pure Mathematics/Statistics and add to your combination of three subjects. NB: O Level Commerce might not be considered  for A Level learning areas 

ARTS

learning areas for Arts are 

• History 
• English Literature 
• Indeginous Languages 
• Family and Religious Studies 

Be careful when choosing your learning areas at Form 3 not to mix the arts and sciences or commercial learning areas except in combinations where it's suitable 

This information is not 100% guaranteed as correct, if you have any suggestions , corrections or alterations, please leave a comment for the benefit of other students 

Exam Tick Revision Guide For Mathematics

Many students and candidates now prefer PDF revision guides than physical textbooks, notes and past papers (Greenbooks). Last time I posted about the GreenBook app which has past papers and answers but it has since disappeared from the google play store.

Now, there seems to be an alternative for past papers and greenbooks for Mathematics O Level. There is a PDF version of Exam Tick which provides both Zimsec and Cambridge past papers for 2 years period (12 past papers ) with exam style working displayed on the spaces provided.

This is a relief for candidates in the diaspora and those who prefer recent past papers.

WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

A Level Distance Learning

Many students now want to aupplement their A level studies for better grades. Some are living in remote areas where tutors can be a challenge. Some have joined their parants in the diaspora but wish to continue their A level studies. Some want to fast pace and attempt exams in a year

This is posing many challenging to students and Candidates as it results in dismal performance or some wont be able to write exams because they will be ill-prepared.

Figtree Online Academy has a solution to this! With experienced teachers at A Level in major fields, they provide top class tutorial services online with quality video content that is easy to understand.

Especially for those studying Mathematics, Statistics and Commercials at A Level, Figtree Academy is the site to be.

To get in touch with this revolutionary online service, whatsapp +263 733 796 118

Easiest and Challenging A Level Combinations Zimsec

So now the results for 2018 November Exams are out and you are trying to figure out the easiest combination to pursue. The competition for tertiary education administration is now stiff but a double digit score at A Level will give you a chance to be accepted by UZ, NUST or foreign scholarship programs.

In this blog, i will try to highlight easiest combinations based on result analysis of some school results

Commercials
This is the popular field nowadays because of limitless opportunities available at Tertiary Level and job market. Double digit points can be obtained from:

1. Statistics, Accounting and Business Entreprise Skills (if you are good in mathematics and Accounting its very easy to score 15 points)

2. Business Studies, Economics, Accouting
- note that Economics needs a good teacher and wide reading)

3. Statistics, Economics and Business Enterprise.

NB: you cant take BES and Business Studies on the same combination. Statistics and Pure Maths cant be a good combination again.

- Avoid Geography (many students struggle to score even a C) and Pure Mathematics (paper 2 is hot and might affect your performance in other subjects)

Arts
For greater chance of scoring 10 to 15 points avoid Geography

1. History, FRS (Divinity) and Sociology
2. History, FRS and Literature
3. History, FRS and Indigenous language.

NB: Key subjects that can be point boosters are History and FRS.

"SUPPLIMENT YOUR A LEVEL STUDIES WITH THE BEST ONLINE ACADEMY FOR ZIMSEC SYLLABUSES. CONTACT FIGTREE ACADEMY WHATSAPP +263 733 796 118"

Sciences
- traditional combination wins. Avoid other science combinations if you intend to score 15 points at A Level

1. Statistics, Physics and Chemistry
2. Statistics, Biology and Chemistry
3. Pure Maths, Physics and Chemistry (i dont encourage Pure Maths and Biologic in a combination, it might affect each other as they are both demanding)

- these combinations have a history of 15 pointers and resources to help you.



#### O level is not related to A Level performance. Many students are tempted by easy As on O level Geography to study it at A level and score 0!


DISCLAIMER: This is a personal opinion as an experienced teacher and will not be held responsible if you fail to score 15 points. Choose where your strength is.

O LEVEL DISTANCE LEARNING

Economic hardships have forced many Zimbabweans to go abroad in search of greeber pastures. However, many discover it later that for one to find a decent job in a foreign land, a qualification is a requirement.

Majority of those in diaspora either dont have 5 o levels or key subjects like english and mathematics. Some might chose to study but at the same time they need to work to finance their education.

It is against this backdrop that a group of qualified teachers for Mathematics, Combined Science, Commerce, Accounting, English and Geography have come together and created digital content for Ordinary Level Distance learning.

Students in the diaspora studying ZIMSEC or CAMBRIDGE can now study through step by step video lessons with exercises that are marked by teachers on a daily basis.

To avoid high data cost, learning platform will be mobile messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram which are compatible with all smart phones.

To  join a class for:
1. Mathematics
2. English
3. Combined Science
4. Geography
5. Principles of Accounts
6. Commece

WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

OR fill in your details on this link

https://goo.gl/forms/QtJNAuvqVyAtQMSl1

Introducing Online High School

Zimbabwe is affected by migration from rural areas to urban and from the country to other countries in the region. Most people are in Search of grrener pastors but things might not work well since many of the opportunities need at least 5 O Level subjects and a tertiary qualification.

Some students are not learning enough material to complete the syllabus and prepare for the public exams. This might be attributed to shortage of teachers, high pupil to teacher ratio, inadequate resources, limited time, absentism of bothe teachers and students, extra curricula activities like sports to name a few.

Figtree Academy has introduced an online high school that will meet the needs of the students in a flexible way. Students are bow able to access full syllabus content in digital format like Video lessons, pdf notes, exercises and tests and animations.

Figtree academy has an android app which organises the content for forms 1 to 4. Students can download content and use it offline.

It also has designed a flexible whatsapp support where students can even access the content through WhatsApp and receive feedback from teachers.

The first batch of subject on offer is Mathematics form 1,2, 3 and 4,; English Language, Geography and Combined Science. The subject are charged per month at affordable rates.

This online high school will assist those working in diaspora and able to sit for cambridge or zimsec examination in Zimbabwe. The only Tutors are qualified teachers with rich virtual teaching experiences

To get in touch with figtree academy stuff, whatsapp +263 733 796 118

Online Tutors for Zimsec

We now have online tutors for subjects examined by Zimsec. Main subjects offered online includes Mathematics, English, Geography and Combined Science.
Since data is still expensive and beyond reach of many candidates, we have designed a program that can use WhatsApp as a content distribution channel.

Students learn through step by step video lessons with exercises that are assessed by tutors.

To join our classes
WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

Why People Fail English Language Exams

About 20 to 30% score a C or better in their English Language and Mathematics exams at O level and these determine pass rate of a center as only those with 5 subjects including these two subjects are considered.

Majority of candidates scores C or better in more than 5 O level subjects but fail English and Mathematics. Majority of these re-sit for the Exam and struggle to pass in more than 2 sittings as a private candidate.

Zimsec statistics for 2017 November Examinations reveals that 13 to 14% are successful in Exams which must be a great concern for those planning a resit 

From our polls and survey, many external candidates fail because 

1. They don't attend lessons for a resit

2. They don't know the basics of grammar 

3. They think there is no need to study the Subject as it is only a 'language'

4. They don't know the structure of the exam and weight of each section to the final mark

5. They repeat the same mistakes which failed them in the last exam

But what really fails you to score a C or better in an English Exam?

#1 Poor Grammar 

Majority don't know parts of speech and parts of sentence, appropriate use of verb tenses and cannot write in their on words. Grammar cost many candidates a lot of marks 

#2 Some Can't write a good essay

Majority of candidates don't even know types of compositions and how to attempt each of these. Some can't even write a simple introduction and don't know what's included in the body or conclusion of any essay

#3 Can't Use Literal Devices 

Literal devices like amplification, registers and discourse markers are of essence when writing compositions. You might be good in grammar but inability to use literal devices or composition techniques you can't earn enough to score a C or better

#4 lack of comprehension skills

Yes, many can't correctly answer comprehension questions and can't express in their own words 

#5 Summary writing 

Summary is a major contributor and majority struggle to identify points to include and how to express in their own words nor shorten/join  the sentences using conjunctions. 

#6 Use of registers 

Majority don't even know how to answer questions on registers. Some cram random words to write in that section

It is imperative that you master all concepts of EnglishLanguage as specified by the syllabus. It's also advisable to start from basics of grammar like parts of speech [articles, verbs, nouns, pronouns etc]

Have you ever checked our step by step video lessons on English Language? WhatsApp +263 733 796 118 

New A Level Combinations New Curriculum Zimsec

Things have changed a bit in the educational sector and learners are starting to specialize for their A Level right from O level. The Learning Areas are Sciences, Mathematics, Arts and Commercials

For one to study  A Level mathematics, she or he has to study and pass 'Pure Mathematics' at O Level. Pure mathematics is like the old additional mathematics at O level and introduces some Basic A Level topics to prepare learners for A Level mathematics. The same goes with statistics, history and all other subjects

The new curriculum emphasizes on 7 compulsory subjects at A Level (which are not considered for A Level) and these are English, General Mathematics, Combined science, Indeginous Language, Heritage Studies, Physical Education and Agriculture.
One cannot take sciences at A Level even if he or she passes Combined Science. In other words, it's like Intergrated Science.

MATHEMATICS COMBINATION

One can specialize in Mathematics subjects only

• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics, and
• Mechanics 

These can be studied as separate subjects and they are no longer considered as one subject like in the old curriculum.

This also imply that one has to study all these subjects at O Level adding to 7 compulsory subjects listed above

SCIENCES 

The sciences subjects in new curriculum are 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics 
• Geography
• Computer Science

However, one can take Pure Mathematics/Statistics/Mechanics and other two learning areas listed above 

COMMERCIALS

Commercials learning areas are 

• Economics
• Business Studies 
• Accounting 

You can also take Pure Mathematics/Statistics and add to your combination of three subjects. NB: O Level Commerce might not be considered  for A Level learning areas 

ARTS

learning areas for Arts are 

• History 
• English Literature 
• Indeginous Languages 
• Family and Religious Studies 

Be careful when choosing your learning areas at Form 3 not to mix the arts and sciences or commercial learning areas except in combinations where it's suitable 

This information is not 100% guaranteed as correct, if you have any suggestions , corrections or alterations, please leave a comment for the benefit of other students 

Mensuration Video Lessons Now Available

Mensurations Video Lessons
1. Plane Shapes
2. Perimeter
3. Areas of plane shapes
4. Solid shapes properties
5. Volume
6. Surface area

Implications of New Curriculum

Zimsec confirmed late last year that November 2018 Exams will be the first New Curriculum Examination although they later abolished the planned continuos assessment. This means the external candidates will be allowed to register since projects and and tasks are now not part of the assessment method.

However, there are implications to this development

1. If the exam is adopting the new syllabi for Mathematics, Combined Science and other subjects, it means learners who adopted the syllabus at form 3 will need to learn some of the Junior Level content which will be tested in November 2018

2. Learners need to understand the structure of the Exams as specified by the new syllabi. Like in Maths, one has to be aware there are 7 questions in Section B of Paper 2 and 4 questions must be chosen.

3. External candidates need to learn new principles which were added in the syllabus. For Combined Science, one needs to know the difference with integrated science. There are more scientific  content and equations in Combined science of which one who is studying Intergrated science is not able to attempt. Also new topics like Peanut Butter Production were added in Combined Science 

4. Study alongside a syllabus or find a practicing teacher who has access to more resources and content discussed in workshops and seminars 

NB: The FigTree App now has videos for new curriculum video lessons and paying students have access to more resources and help from practicing and qualified teachers. If interested WhatsApp +263 733 796 118

Why Video Based Learning Is More Effective

 

Every teacher tries to use methodologies that will make learners remember and apply principles in the exams. Effective teaching methods involves use of media like Charts, Games and Models. 

However the traditional way of learning is not that effective to slow learners and those with short memory. Some learners grasp concepts by doing the same things repeatedly. As they say 'Repetition has got emphasis'

Video Based learning can improve how students understand concepts. By playing the videos time and again, students will easily remember and apply principles, especially mathematics.

Learners who miss lessons in a traditional method of learning will not easily catch up with the class. Teachers will never repeat teaching lessons and will be racing against time to complete the syllabus. 

With videos, learners will never miss a single lesson, making learning better and effective.

Do you think Traditional Methods are better than Video Based Tuition?

Exam Oriented Online Lessons Through WhatsApp

HEREThe population of private candidates shows how most Zimbabweans still value education. Many external candidates register to sit for O Level Mathematics, English Language and Integrated Science (Now Combined Science ).

However only 12 to 14% of external candidates fail the Exam according to recent Zimsec Exam Statistics and this is attributed to 

- many don't attend lessons to cover the syllabus 

- majority are working class and they can't afford time to read or practice for an Exam.

- some work in foreign countries and there are no schools or teachers that teach Zimsec syllabus 

- they can't find qualified tutors /teachers for the subject.

With technology one can learn all principles of the syllabus online through video lessons and PDF study guides. Some professional teachers are now creating step by step video lessons that cover syllabi to fill this gap. 

Because many learners nowadays use social media like Facebook and most popular messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram and WeChat, it can be a convenient way to offer services through these platforms. 

From a pilot project carried out in 2017, 51 candidates were learning through videos shared on WhatsApp and 41 of the learners scored C or better in November 2017 exams. You can watch some of these quality videos on this YouTube Channel and also request these step by step lessons by filling this form HERE 

November 2018 External Candidates: Plan your studies early

Suspension of talks and projects by the Ministry of Primary and Education and Zimsec was a good news to many people who still want to supplement their O and A Levels. However it must be noted that only tasks and projects were suspended and the new curriculum syllabi have not changed.

If you are going to register for November 2018 Exams, there are many things you need to consider since Exam structures and syllabus contents have slightly changed. Let me highLight something here.

1. For O Level Combined Science 

- it's slightly different from Intergrated Science 

- there are new added topics like Peanut Butter Production 

- there were news that Alternative to Practical (Paper 3) was replaced with actual practical exams 

2. For O Level Mathematics (General)

- the  exam structure has changed, e.g. You now have 4 options in Section B of Paper 2

- added concepts e.g. Compound Interest

- there is no longer non calculator / calculator version. The syllabus changed from 4028 to 4030 and now has a new code 4024 if my memory serves me well

3. For A Level Mathemtaics 

- Pure Maths is now separate subjects. So if you were avoiding paper 2, you have to look into the new syllabi and add principles you didn't know 

4. For O Level Religious Studies and A Level Divinity 

- the subject has changed to Family and Religious Studies 

- content of the syllabus has changed and many things have been added

These are not the only subjects that were affected, almost every subject was affected including English Language. 

Make sure you prepare the exam according to new syllabi 

June Registration Zimsec 2018

June Examination registration has started in many centers since last week and many candidates are expected to sit for June Session since it is the last exam without coursework. Starting November 2018, candidates will need a two-year coursework to sit for an Exam.

Majority of external candidates are likely to register core subjects like English, Mathematics and Intergrated Science although some will add more subjects to acquire at least 5 subjects.

Those who only need to add mathematics and are not prepared for June session have an option to register Cambridge IGSCE Mathematics syllabus D since it is more or less Zimsec exam and equally recognized both in Zimbabwe and abroad.

NB: We have started our Video tuition and online lessons for both Zimsec and Cambridge IGCSE (Core and Extended). Students access step by step video lessons and Past paper videos from experienced tutors.
WhatsApp +263 733 796 118