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?