Staff Reporter
Cabinet has announced significant changes to the national curriculum, including the replacement of Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) with school-based projects, in a move aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of education.
This move is part of a broader initiative to modernise the education sector and equip learners with essential skills for the future.
Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting in Harare, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, unveiled the Heritage-Based Education Curriculum 2024-2030, emphasising its transformative potential.
The Minister said that one of the key changes introduced by the new curriculum is the replacement of CALA with practical school-based projects aimed at promoting hands-on learning and problem-solving.
“The review of the assessment modalities and tools will entail the rationalisation of CALA (Continuous Assessment Learning Area) activities now denoted as school-based projects, which emphasise the learner being observed carrying out the practical aspect at school. The future of the country will increasingly be shaped by science and technology, hence the bias in the education system to foster critical thinking, innovation, creativity, problem-solving and programming,” said Minister Muswere.
Minister Muswere highlighted the rationale behind the curriculum changes, including the need to rationalise CALA, which had proved to be cumbersome and impractical for both teachers and learners.
Responding to questions from the media, Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerayi Moyo, explained that the revision of the school curriculum was aimed at instilling critical thinking skills and practical knowledge, empowering students to address real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.
As part of the implementation strategy, Minister Moyo announced plans to introduce "internet in the box," a localised server system aimed at providing free access to educational materials in rural schools.
The Minister said that this initiative reflects the Government's commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive and accessible education, ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age.
Miriam Ndoro, a concerned parent, expressed her relief at the decision to review CALA, stating, "the review of CALA is a welcome development for both parents and learners. It was becoming increasingly stressful for us to support our children through multiple assessments."
Ndoro emphasised the need for a curriculum that promotes holistic learning and reduces unnecessary academic pressure.
Idah Machiveyi echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the long-overdue nature of the curriculum review.
“The review of the curriculum was long overdue as CALA was becoming a burden to learners, defeating the purpose it was established for,” Machiveyi stated.
She emphasised the importance of creating a curriculum that nurtures students' talents and fosters a love for learning, rather than adding to their academic workload.
The introduction of the Heritage-Based Education Curriculum marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's education sector, signalling a shift towards a more dynamic and responsive learning framework.
With these reforms, the Government aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
