ZIMSEC Grade Results 2023 Statistics
The release of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Grade 7 examination results for 2023 brought notable insights into the academic landscape, showcasing both progress and concerns within the educational system based on the statistics from the data.
Pass Rate Increment
ZIMSEC announced a pass rate of 45.57% for the Grade 7 examinations in 2023, demonstrating a marked improvement from the 40.09% recorded in 2022. This 5.48% increase in candidates’ performance signifies a positive trend in academic outcomes.
Gender Disparity in Performance – Boys Vs Girls
Gender-based analysis highlighted a higher number of female candidates sitting for the examinations, with 193,520 girls compared to 179,083 boys. Moreover, the pass rate for female candidates was significantly higher at 49.56% compared to 41.21% for male candidates.
Examination Candidature Growth
The total number of candidates participating in the 2023 examinations rose notably, reaching 372,603 candidates across various subjects. This reflected a substantial increase of 7.89% from the previous year’s candidature of 343,169 candidates.
Special Needs Candidates’ Performance
Special needs candidates, comprising 357 individuals, displayed a commendable performance with an average pass rate of 42.99%. This marked a significant improvement from the 29.8% recorded in 2022 among 323 candidates.
Authorities’ Assessment and Contributing Factors
Professor Eddie Mwenje, ZIMSEC’s Board Chairperson, attributed the rise in the pass rate to several factors. Notably, the return to a normal school calendar following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and interventions by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education aimed at enhancing teaching and learning.
Concerns and Key Observations
Moses Mhike, the secretary in the primary and secondary education ministry, highlighted concerns regarding the foundational literacy levels of Grade 7 learners. The revelation that a majority of learners lack basic reading and writing skills upon reaching Grade 7 poses a significant challenge to their ability to comprehend and tackle examination papers effectively.
“According to a survey we conducted, the majority of learners cannot read and write at Grade 2. They cannot comprehend simple and straightforward issues,” Mhike stated. “As a ministry, this is where we need to concentrate to ensure that learners are adequately prepared for Grade 7 examinations.”
ZIMSEC director Dr Lazarus Nembaware (left) and ZIMSEC board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje (right) announcing the release of the 2022 A-Level results [Image: Herald/Zimpapers Digital]
Ongoing Trends and Improvements
The 2023 results reflect an encouraging trajectory of increased pass rates over recent years. This pattern aligns with efforts aimed at improving educational standards and underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing teaching methodologies and educational support structures.
Zimsec Statement On 2023 Grade 7 Results Statistics
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Board and Management would like to advise the nation of the release of the 2023 ZIMSEC Grade Seven Examination results.
A total of 372 603 candidates sat for one to six subjects during the 2023 Grade seven examinations as compared to 343 169 candidates who sat for the same examination in 2022 showing a 7.89% increase in candidature.
The 2023 Grade 7 Examination session recorded a national pass rate of 45.57%. This is an increase of 5.48% in candidates’ performance from last year’s pass rate of 40. 09%.
The increase in pass rate could be attributed to the return to the normal school calendar after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various interventions by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in terms of teaching and learning.
References
- ZimLive – Officials search for answers as more than half of Grade 7 pupils fail by Prince Machaya (01 Dec 2023)
- The Herald – Girls outshine boys in Grade 7 results (01 Dec 2023)
- ZBC News – ZIMSEC Grade Seven Examination results released (01 Dec 2023)
- Sunday News – UPDATED: Grade Seven results out by Rutendo Nyeve (30 Nov 2023)
