Glen Norah High 1 scoops A-Level jackpot
Mr Edgar Murisa, Glen Norah High 1 School headmaster displays the Most Improved School trophy.
“I have learned that a lawyer’s mistakes go to jail, a doctor’s mistakes go to the morgue, but a teacher’s mistakes are turned loose on society with potentially devastating consequences for all.” (Alan Emrich)
The above statement by American teacher Emrich might as well be the philosophy guiding teachers at Glen Norah High 1 School, in Harare’s high-density suburb of Glen Norah, from which it gets its name.
In education circles, Glen Norah High 1 is not one of those schools that easily come to mind as a centre of excellence.
In fact, one is likely to get strange stares if they dare mention Glen Norah High 1 School in the same breath as some of the more well-known schools like Nyanga High, St David’s Bonda Girls’ High, Monte Cassino Girls’ High, Kriste Mambo Girls’ High.
With high-density schools like Glen Norah High 1 usually deemed to be in the academic minnows league, it is no wonder that Glen Norah recently went wild with celebrations after receiving the district Secretary’s Bell Award following impressive Advanced Level Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Advanced Level results.
“In 2009, our Advanced Level pass rate was 79,3 percent. Our 2010 results landed us at 89,8 percent, and for that achievement, our school was awarded the High Glen District Secretary’s Bell Award for the most improved performance. We are proud of ourselves. This is no mean achievement for a school that does not demand to enrol only the best candidates but enrols on a first-come-first served basis,” said school head Mr Edgar Murisa.
Deputy school head Mr Samuel Sithole, who has been at the institution since 1989 and also teaches Divinity at A-Level, believes the combination of the teachers’ commitment and the students’ discipline contributed to this achievement.
“We insist on discipline from both the teachers and the students. I believe it is this discipline and commitment that has seen us through,” said Mr Sithole.
Mr Sithole also said the school’s secret in achieving high pass rates has been the involvement of its teachers as examiners.
“Being a subject examiner provides the teacher with more insight into the technicalities of answering examination questions. Most of our teachers are examiners and they have mastered the technicalities, which skills they have passed on to our students. And the results are there for all to see,” he said.
Both the head and his deputy conceded that it has been hard work for the school administration, teachers and the students.
“Unlike our counterparts who enrol the best candidates and lead the log standings, we sometimes get the worst students but we work hard and groom them to success.
“For a long time parents have shunned high-density schools preferring schools situated in more affluent suburbs. But now we are demonstrating to them that it’s not affluence that brings results,” said Mr Murisa.
He said the school makes an effort to send its students to seminars where they exchange information with students from other schools.
“Seminars have been of great assistance. Students from well-resourced schools share information with those from less privileged ones. And these are the results of co-operating and participating in the seminars.”
Management of Business teacher Mr Emmanuel Mushayi, who has maintained a 100 percent pass rate for his subject over the 10 years he has been teaching it, said this was made possible by dedication from the teachers and students.
“Some of us are born teachers and hold this unparalleled dedication. Teachers are some of the most demotivated employees, but we have soldiered on. We hope parents and Government will realise our worth and incentivise us. Just a little incentive will take us to higher levels,” said Mr Mushayi.
And for head boy Omega Kureva (Upper Six), Glen Norah High 1 is just what the doctor ordered.
“I did my Ordinary Level at Highfield High but their pass rate in my chosen commercial subjects was not impressive. So I opted for Glen Norah and I am confident I will pass with flying colours. The teachers here just know how to get the best out of us,” said Omega.
Lower Sixth student Impi Kuhlengisa said it was the discipline that attracted him to Glen Norah High 1.
“It is the discipline that drew me to this school. For long I admired the discipline and high pass rate. Today, I am proud to be a student here,” said Impi.
Nyasha Mukombero, a Lower Sixth student at the school, however, bemoaned the lack of modern technology like the Internet.
“I hope with time resources will be made available to enable us to enjoy modern technology as we research and study,” said Nyasha.-The Sunday Mail
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