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Zimsec CALA guideline for a research project   You may have noticed that most CALA topics being given by teachers involve some element of carrying out research. In this article, I will guide you through the steps that you need to go through in coming up with your research project. A CALA on a research project will be testing your ability to research, problem-solve, and analyse data etc .  However, be guided by your teacher as the CALA requirement may vary.  A research project is meant to find a solution to an existing problem, therefore it is a practical exercise that seeks to identify problems facing the community and hence providing a relevant solution to those challenges. The  purpose of a good research project is to find at least one solution to a real problem.   The research process involves several stages, albeit it varies from one researcher to another and from one project to another. This is just a general guideline.     1. ...

WHAT IS CALA? Continuous Assessment Learning Activity (CALA)  is a student assessment system that is being implemented  in the final term of 2021  in preparation for  the  2021 Zimsec examinations. The first phase of the regime was  meant  to run from July to September 2021  but was disturbed by the prolonged closure of schools due to the covid-19 pandemic . However, at the beginning  of the final term (September 2021), the Ministry of Primary and S econdary  E ducation (MoPSE)   reduced the CALA components  from the initial  five components to three in response to the limited  time available  until  examination starts. By the way,  what is CALA? CALA is any learning activity or assessment that requires learners to perform, demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and proficiency. Under the system , Zimsec candidates’ physical and behavioural skills are assessed continuously (coursework) to contr...

Schools reopen for final term The government has announced the reopening of schools in a phased manner, with the exam classes opening first on the 30th of August 2021 and the non-exam classes opening a week later. The delay in school reopening was induced by the Covid 19 pandemic, which saw school opening postponed by more than two months as the country was fighting to contain the Delta variant.  It is hoped that learners will be able to salvage the remaining part of the year as the exams appear to be commencing by mid-November into December if the school calendar is released by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) is anything to go by. The proposed school closing date is 17 December 2021. Whether exams will be done by then remains to be seen when Zimsec releases the November 2021 examination timetable. Schools opening in session  Image credit:  Enca In a related story, teachers are threatening to down tool citing incapacitation. This comes at a time wh...

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT LEARNING AREAS (CALA) 'REINTRODUCED' The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE) has indicated that the CALA will be examined in the November 2021 examinations. In a circular to schools, the ministry has indicated that the CALA has been reduced to three components A-C. Each component has a set deadline, before which the candidates must submit their  CALA to his/her examination centre. See the circular below for the submission deadlines for each component. The CALAs are for  examination classes: grade seven, form four and form six CALA deadlines Form Six  and  Form Four    Component A- 30 September 2021 Component B- 22 October 2021 Component C- 12 November 2021 Grade seven  Component A- 24 September 2021 Component B- 16 October 2021 Component C-- 6 November 2021 External or private candidates must go to their respective centres to collect their CALAs and start working on them as the first CALA is due in three week's ti...