Zimbabwe’s First Heritage-Based Curriculum Learners Set For Historic Exams
Zimbabwe’s education system is entering a new phase as learners taught under the heritage-based curriculum prepare to write their first public examinations.
According to SundayMail, the examinations are scheduled to begin in mid-October, making this year’s final school term a significant milestone for the country’s education reforms.
The first cohort has been following the heritage-based curriculum since its introduction in January 2025.
The programme is designed to move beyond traditional academic learning by combining knowledge with practical skills, values and competencies.
Also Read: Minister Warns Schools: Adopt Heritage-Based Curriculum Or Face Closure
From Memorisation To Skills
The heritage-based curriculum places greater emphasis on science, technology, innovation and problem-solving.
It is also designed to connect classroom learning with Zimbabwe’s history, culture, languages and development needs.
Education authorities see the approach as part of a broader strategy to equip learners with skills for both employment and everyday life.
The 2026 examinations will therefore provide the first major assessment of learners who have gone through the new system.
Government has already trained teachers and distributed textbooks and other learning materials to support implementation.
Zimsec Set For Bigger Role
The examinations come as Government works towards making the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council the country’s sole public examination board.
The policy forms part of efforts to create greater consistency across schools.
Under the planned system, international curricula such as Cambridge International Education would no longer form the main pathway.
Instead, schools would only be able to offer such qualifications as additional options after receiving approval from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
The Government says the approach will ensure that the country’s education system remains rooted in local priorities while allowing room for international qualifications.
Schools Prepare For Busy Final Term
Schools are reopening on Tuesday for the third and final term, with examination classes facing a particularly demanding period.
Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level candidates are expected to prepare for their end-of-year assessments under a compressed timetable.
Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro described the term as an important moment for the education sector.
He said the 2026 candidates would become the first learners to undergo national examinations under the heritage-based curriculum.
Ndoro said the new approach was intended to promote holistic development and innovation rather than relying heavily on memorisation.
Returning Learners To Be Accommodated
Authorities have also instructed schools to ensure children returning from other countries can resume their education.
Particular attention has been given to learners coming back from South Africa.
Schools have been told to enrol returning pupils and ensure they receive the necessary support to participate in examinations.
The directive also covers children with disabilities and other vulnerable learners.
Education authorities say no child should lose an opportunity to learn or sit for examinations because of their circumstances.
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