Zimbabwe Form 4 Curriculum - History

This curriculum covers a broad range of historical topics, focusing on Zimbabwe, Africa, and the wider world. It aims to develop historical thinking skills, an understanding of societal transformations, and an appreciation for cultural heritage. The curriculum emphasizes learner-centered and multi-sensory approaches to learning.

Form 1

• Conceptualization of History: Introduction to History, Sources of History, Types of History
• Origins of Humankind: Theories on Origins of Humankind, Charles Darwin and Human Evolution, Africa The Cradle of Humankind
• Ancient Civilizations in Africa: Egypt: Ancient Civilization in Egypt, Egyptian Science, Religion, Writing and Architecture, Egyptian Agriculture, Spread of Egyptian Civilization
• Development of Zimbabwean Societies: Early Societies from the Stone Age to the Early Iron Age, State Formation: Great Zimbabwe, Mutapa, Rozvi, Zulu, and Ndebele States
• Slavery and the Slave Trade: Forms of Slavery, Causes of the Slave Trade, The Triangular Slave Trade
• Early European Contacts with Zimbabwe: The Portuguese Prazo System in the Zambezi Valley, Early Missionary Activities

Form 2

• Colonization: The Scramble and Partition of Southern Africa, The Berlin Conference (1884-1885), The Colonization of Zimbabwe, The Anglo-Ndebele War (1893-1894), The First Chimurenga/Umvukela (1896-1897)
• Colonial Administration in Rhodesia: Company Rule, Responsible Government, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Unilateral Declaration of Independence (U.D.I.)
• Nationalism: Pan-Africanist Movements, Rise of Mass Nationalism in Zimbabwe
• The Armed Struggle in Zimbabwe: Mass Nationalism (1957-1967), Early Recruitment and Training of Freedom Fighters, Early Phase of the Armed Struggle, Second Phase of the Armed Struggle
• Post-Independence Developments in Zimbabwe: Social, Political, and Economic Policies from 1980-1990
• Regional and International Co-operation: Frontline States, SADC, OAU/AU, The Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
• Socialism and Communism: The Russian Revolution, The Chinese Revolution, The Cuban Revolution
• The Constitution of Zimbabwe: The Constitution of Zimbabwe, Children's Rights and Responsibilities

Form 3

• Conceptualization of History: Sources of History
• Development of Zimbabwean Societies: State Formation, Nguni Migrations
• Slavery and the Slave Trade: Slave Trade in Africa, Impact of Slavery and the Slave Trade, The Abolition of Slavery and the Slave Trade
• Early European Contacts with Zimbabwe: Portuguese Activities in the Zambezi Valley, Early Missionary Activities, European Agents of Colonization
• Colonization of Zimbabwe: The Scramble and Partition of Southern Africa, The Berlin Conference (1884-1885), The Colonization of Zimbabwe, Anglo-Ndebele War (1893-1894), First Chimurenga/Umvukela (1896-1897)
• Colonial Administration in Rhodesia: Company Rule, Responsible Government, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Unilateral Declaration of Independence (U.D.I.)
• The Armed Struggle in Zimbabwe: Nationalist Movements, The Armed Struggle

Form 4

• World Wars and the Inter-war Period: First World War (1914-1918), The League of Nations, Rise of European Dictators, Second World War (1939-1945), The Cold War
• Socialism and Communism: The Russian Revolution, The Chinese Revolution, The Cuban Revolution
• International Co-operation: The United Nations, Zimbabwe and the International Community (Foreign Policy) since Independence
• Post-Independence Developments in Zimbabwe: Social, Political, and Economic Policies, Land Reform and Indigenisation
• The Constitution of Zimbabwe, Democracy, and Human Rights: Democracy, Human Rights, Children's Rights and Responsibilities, The Constitution of Zimbabwe

Assessment:

The History curriculum is assessed through continuous coursework (30%) and a final examination (70%) consisting of two papers. Coursework includes practical projects, assignments, and tests. The final examination papers cover the History of Zimbabwe and Regional and International History.