Government to set up new term structures

Government is working tirelessly in gazetting new school term structures to guide the learning process when primary and secondary schools open next month.

The first group of learners will resume classes on July 28.

The new structure will include opening and closing dates, June examination classes, November examination dates, school fees structure and breaks during the term.

Speaking to 263Bulletin,Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson, Mr Patrick Zumbo articulated that consultations were on ongoing among relevant education stakeholders.

“We are working tirelessly on a new structure which will be ready in the next few weeks,”Zumbo said.

Mr Zumbo further reiterated that,” the structure will show how learning will be done and if there will be a break, its not an easy road but we are working on it to ensure everything will be in place when school commences.

“More information will be released when we have completed the structure.”

The primary and secondary school year traditionally runs on three terms, each with three months.

Zimbabwe Schools Development Associations/Committees secretary-general Mr Everisto Jongwe said he was unaware of the new term structure.

He, however, said the association was consulting parents on the way forward.

“Currently discussions are underway in most schools about issues surrounding the opening of schools and school fees structure,” said Mr Jongwe.

“On the school fees issue, it is a very tricky situation. There is a need for parents to understand that there are overviews that need to be paid even if learners are not at school.

“All parties ought to discuss this issue holistically and reach a consensus,which is the sole purpose of the meetings taking place in various schools”.

However, teachers unions are vehemently opposing the scheduled opening of schools arguing that it is still premature in the wake of the threat posed by global Covid-19 pandemic.

Last week teachers unions filled an urgent High Court application challenging the re-opening of schools for the June Ordinary and Advanced level examinations.

The June examinations are set to run from June 30 up until July 23.