The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has introduced enhanced security measures to prevent the leakage of public examination papers ahead of the upcoming Ordinary and Advanced Level exams.
This move is in response to previous incidents where examination papers were compromised, especially at exam centers or during transport. To address this, the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) will implement a range of protocols designed to ensure the integrity of this year’s exams, which are set to begin this month.
A key measure involves delivering examination papers to schools with limited security just minutes before the exams commence. This approach minimizes the time papers spend at potentially vulnerable locations, reducing the chances of leaks. Additionally, ZIMSEC will establish cluster centers, which are schools equipped with stronger security measures, to store the exam papers securely. These centers will then distribute the papers to nearby schools on the day of the exam, further protecting the process.
To reinforce these efforts, ZIMSEC will deploy monitors to all examination centers to ensure that standards are upheld. This real-time oversight is intended to enhance the credibility of the exams and reassure educators, students, and parents of their fairness. The entire security operation will be funded through examination fees, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to safeguard the examination process.
The implementation of these measures aims to instill confidence in the nation by providing a transparent and secure examination environment. It marks a pivotal opportunity for learners to trust the authorities overseeing their education, particularly as this year’s exams will also conclude the Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) system. Starting next year, students will transition to a heritage-based curriculum focused on a range of educational pathways, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as vocational training. This shift is part of the government’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market.
As Zimbabwe moves forward with these reforms, the hope is that the enhanced security measures will lead to a more reliable and secure examination process. This is vital for maintaining the country’s reputation for high-quality education and ensuring that students can perform without the threat of exam malpractice hanging over them. The integrity of ZIMSEC and the examination process remains crucial in upholding Zimbabwe’s educational standards.
