Harare (New Ziana) -The government has withdrawn its earlier directive banning early school holidays for Grade Seven pupils who had finished writing the final national examinations.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had on October 5 in circular number 17 of 2023, cancelled the early holiday and ordered the current generation of Grade Sevens to follow the traditional education calendar which ends with the third term in December.
This, the government said, was meant to give guidance and counselling to pupils as they prepare to enrol for secondary school.
However, in a circular to stakeholders within the entire education system in the country, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said Circular number 18 issued by permanent secretary Moses Mhike would ensure that the pupils enjoy their traditional early holiday.
“The circular cancels Circular number 17 of 2023 on compulsory organised learning activities post Grade 7 examinations. The cancellation therefore means the Grade 7 pupils must be allowed to close school.
“Those schools that had planned and budgeted for educational school trips should proceed as such in conformity with Circular P54,” read part of the circular.
This means Grade 7 pupils who began their examinations on 28 September and finished on 9 October are now on holiday.
In the past, the Ministry kept the Grade Sevens in school as a way of preventing them away from enganging in mischief such as taking drugs and alcohol as well as to impart some life skills to them as they would engage in various extra-curricular activities.
New Ziana
