Masvingo Province Secondary School Pupils’ and Teachers’ Views on the Educational Value of Zimbabwe Junior Certificate Examinations

Abstract

This study sought to establish secondary school pupils and teachers‟ perceptions towards Zimbabwe Junior Certificate (ZJC) examinations in light of the proposed re-introduction of the ZJC examinations that were discontinued in 1999. The study employed the descriptive survey design. Data were collected through interviews. A purposive sample of 50 pupils and 30 experienced secondary school teachers from five schools representing five different responsible authorities, using quota-sampling technique, participated in the study. Data were presented in direct quotes and analyzed thematically. The results show that the majority of secondary school pupils and teachers see the ZJC examinations as useful if the results were to be released timeously for streaming pupils and channeling them into various subject areas, to make pupils take their work seriously, to prepare pupils for „O‟ Level examinations, among other reasons. Some pupils and teachers, however, view the examinations as a waste of time and resources, chiefly because the certificate cannot be used for employment purposes. In view of these findings, the researchers recommend that if the examinations were to be re-introduced, the results should be released timeously so that they could be used for purposes they are purpoted to serve.