Pumula High praised for heritage-based education, rising pass rates
Pumula High praised for heritage-based education, rising pass rates
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has commended Pumula High School in Bulawayo for promoting quality, inclusive and competency-focused Heritage-Based Education, citing improved academic results, practical skills training and broader learner development.
Permanent secretary in the ministry Moses Mhike praised the school when he conferred it with the Secretary’s Merit Award, saying its development demonstrates what can be achieved when institutions implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum with “dedication, vision, and purpose”.
“Pumula High School’s story reflects resilience, growth and transformation. Established in 1983 as an Ordinary Level institution and attaining Advanced Level status in 2004, the school has steadily evolved into an institution associated with excellence,” Mhike said.
He said the school’s commitment to practical skills development and competency-based learning under the Heritage-Based Curriculum was among its most encouraging strengths, while noting that pass rates, although not the only measure of excellence, remain important indicators of progress.
Mhike cited improvements at Ordinary Level over three years, with pass rates rising from 35.9 percent in 2023 to 36.44 percent in 2024 and 41.59 percent in 2025.
At Advanced Level, he said the school achieved an 88.2 percent pass rate in 2023, 87.5 percent in 2024, before increasing to 96.64 percent in 2025.
“In this regard, we are pleased to observe encouraging trends in Pumula High School’s academic performance over the past three years,” said Mhike, adding that the trends reflect “resilience, determination, and a commitment to continuous improvement”.
He said the school’s achievements extend beyond academics, highlighting performance across sports including athletics, darts and chess, as well as quiz competitions, public speaking and other scholastic contests.
Mhike also pointed to entrepreneurship initiatives being implemented at the school, including poultry production, gardening, sewing, food processing and detergent production, which he said demonstrate practical application of curriculum principles.
He said learners are participating in productive activities that build self-reliance and economic skills, not just studying entrepreneurship in theory.
The permanent secretary said the school has also invested in technology through computer laboratories, smart boards, internet facilities and technology-enhanced learning systems aimed at preparing learners for a digital and AI-driven world.
He added that its inclusive education efforts and psychosocial support systems are part of ensuring no learner is left behind.
“The story of Pumula High School demonstrates that educational excellence does not happen by accident. Excellence is built through vision, hard work, resilience, teamwork, and dedication,” Mhike said.
In Mashonaland Central, where many schools are also implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum while seeking resources for skills training and digital learning, the ministry’s recognition of Pumula High is likely to be read as encouragement for institutions to link classroom learning with practical production, sport and inclusive support systems.
Mundubile seeks new party route as Hichilema eyes second term
Mundubile seeks new party route as Hichilema eyes second term For all the News from Mashon…
Baradzanwa Cultural Village Emerges as a Premier New Year Tourism Destination in Mazowe
For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups Multitudes of …
