The Sunday Mail
Since the introduction of Heritage Studies as a compulsory subject from Early Childhood Development (ECD) level up to Ordinary Level (O’Level) in January 2017 by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE), there has been misconceptions, debates and unanswered questions by the teachers and learners on Heritage Studies. Some thought that it’s a choice between Heritage Studies and History or discarding one of the two or both. However, Priority Projects Publishing, an indigenous publishing company that has been publishing educational textbooks for the past 20 years, has seen it prudent to demystify and allay fear has gripped the educational system due to the introduction of Heritage Studies. The following are clear facts regarding the two, but different subjects:
Heritage Studies
Definition: Heritage Studies refers to a combination of the study of our culture, inherited traditions, monuments and our symbols. Matseketsa and Mashaah (2017) suggest that the subject speaks for the past generations and preserves such embodiments of the way we live and pass it on to the future generations. Constructively, it helps us collectively to analyse our past and use these to build the future without necessarily disregarding past generations.
(a)Heritage Studies has been made Compulsory from ECD Level up to Ordinary Level. This implies that every student (private school or public school) needs to take the subject seriously as this will be examinable at O’Level final Examinations.
(b)Heritage Studies is part of the 7 ‘O’ Level subjects that a learner needs to have in order to qualify for Advanced Level, Tertiary institutions and even up to University level.
(c)The study of Heritage Studies is a MUST for all students.
(d)Heritage Studies draws together the following fields, law, economics, politics, business studies, entrepreneurial skills, Development Studies, Culture, Arts Archaeology etc.
(e)Heritage Studies is purely centred on Zimbabwe and is meant to inculcate a sense of nationalism and patriotism among Zimbabweans, producing a fervent scholar whose objective is to marshal development of our great nation. It is pupil-centred with the teacher only moderating almost all the activities.
Grades/levels being studied in 2017
ECD ‘A’, Grade 1, Grade 3, Form 1 and Form 3.
History
Definition: History is the study of past events. It thus refers to the study of the past which tells us about the events and incidents that happened in the past. The term history can be used to refer to the history of the human race, the origins of civilisations or even to events that are related to the creation of a place or an institution like a school. This implies that everything on earth has a history. It is this history that helps us to determine how that thing came into being, how it evolved over the years and what made it the object or idea that it is today. History is based on facts and evidence.
(a)Studying History is now optional.
This means that school authorities can choose to teach or not to teach the subject.
(b)History is not part of the required 7 ‘O’ Level subjects come 2019. This means that passing History is a bonus added to the compulsory subjects.
(c)History draws together the following fields but is not limited to International Relations, Law, Development Studies, Archaeology and Political Sciences.
(d)History is divided into (i) Southern Africa and (ii) World Affairs
Levels being studied
Mainly at secondary school level starting from Form 1 up to Form 6.
Implementation of the Updated Curriculum by Priority Projects PublishingPriority Projects Publishing (PPP) has to date published the following Heritage Studies and History textbooks to complement MOPSE’s efforts to provide world class education in Zimbabwe that meets the demands of the 21st century:
Best Approach to Family and Heritage Studies ECD ‘A’
Best Approach to Family and Heritage Studies Grade 1
Best Approach to Family and Heritage Studies Grade 3
Total Heritage Studies Form 1
Total Heritage Studies Form 3
Total History Form 1
Total History Form 3
The books (both Heritage Studies and History) are a result of a detailed research and data capturing from relevant stakeholders and use of recommended and approved syllabi from the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU), a book evaluation arm of the MOPSE.
In this regard, the textbooks are printed and published after extensive quality control checks, hence their efficacy is of the highest standard.
Our promise
As we walk together in this academic discourse, we assure the nation that we will fulfil the second phase of the Updated Curriculum implementation by January 2018 on the following levels and grades:
ECD ‘B’
Grade 2
Grade 4 to 7
Form 2
Form 4
Consequently, Heritage Studies textbooks for the above levels will be unveiled to complete a full set of this new, exciting and compulsory subject which has taken learning to new heights and opened the eyes of many learners to new opportunities which previously did not exist.
PROVINCE EDUCATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CELL NUMBER
Mashonaland West LilianTiirirwa0775 774 390
Nicholas Karengesha 0773 920 905
Mashonaland East:Muchineripi Tambiri-0773 108 646
Mashonaland Central:Javas Chindakuda0773 969 401
Masvingo:Lovejoy Chihanga -0777 036 053
Manicaland:Normally Matseketsa-0715 227 712
Matebeleland South:Simbarashe Bvute-0772 278 882
Bulawayo Central :Simbarashe Bvute-0772 278 882
Midlands:MrsMuzembi
Harare Head Office/National:Munyaradzi Nyamagodo-0717260890
Harare Head Office/National:Tangai Satoro-0772 231 285
In addition to our provincial Education Representatives, you are also advised to contact the following bookshops countrywide:
Harare
Baroda Bookshop, Fairway Stationers, Best Books, Art Stationers, Kingstons, Devine Books, Blackstone Books, Just Books, Planet Bookshop, Trustway Bookshop, Knowledge Hub Bookshop, Innov Bookshop, Sawima Investments,Deslog Bookshop,Edulight Bookshop,Voot Marketing
Chitungwiza
Zeneth Distributers,Oasis Bookshop
Bulawayo
Phenduka Bookshop, Vigne Bookshop, Zero Suppliers, Methtech Investments, Prestige Bookshop, Stationery & Gift Shop,Bookrite Bookshop,Matopos Bookshop,Best Books
Mutare
Mutare Computers & Stationery, Delsink Bookshop, Mutare Bookshop, L Keys Bookshop,Mutare Copy Leaders Bookshop,Mellenium Bookshop,Rhema Bookshop,Raycode Marketing
Chiredzi
Zimac Investments, Stackston Bookshop,Graphco Investments
Rusape
Conway Chemicals, Genesis Bookshop, Eastern Bookshop
Masvingo
Natet Bookshop, Nectar Bookshop, Lenfas Investments,Gamalab Bookshop
Kwekwe
Dahnell Bookshop, Acts Bookshop,Skycoast Bookshop
Chinhoyi
Charlot Bay Bookshop, Emden Goose
Bindura
Savvy Stationers, Shepps Bookshop
