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.
