Zimbabwe Form 1-4 (O-Level) Physical Education, Sport and Mass Displays

This syllabus, implemented from 2015-2022 and revised in 2015, aims to provide a comprehensive Physical Education, Sport, and Mass Displays curriculum for secondary school learners. It emphasizes holistic development, encompassing physical, social, emotional, moral, aesthetic, and cognitive growth. The syllabus caters to learners of all backgrounds and abilities, preparing them for potential careers in sports or related fields, while also promoting lifelong physical activity and healthy lifestyles. It builds upon the foundation laid in primary school and encourages the development of enterprising skills. Cross-cutting themes such as Life and Enterprise Skills, Gender and Guidance and Counselling, Children's Rights, Disaster Risk Management, Environmental Issues, Sexuality, HIV and AIDS, ICT, Child Protection, and Heritage Studies are integrated into the curriculum.

Course Structure

The syllabus is presented as a single document, divided into topics and subtopics, with content progressively structured from Form 1 to 4. Learners are encouraged to explore diverse sporting activities. A minimum of eight 35-minute periods per week, all double lessons, are allocated for this subject. A variety of teaching methodologies are suggested, including demonstrations, practice, discovery learning, problem-solving, games, quizzes, storytelling, role-playing, simulations, projects, and educational tours. The syllabus also encourages the involvement of resource persons where necessary.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and based on achieving learning outcomes for each topic and form level. Learner profiling is used to track progress and identify areas for development. The assessment scheme is designed to provide equal opportunities for all learners, with accommodations and modifications made for students with special needs.

The overall assessment comprises 75% continuous assessment and 25% summative assessment. Continuous assessment includes practical topic tasks, written tests, and research projects. Summative assessment involves three papers: a multiple-choice paper, a structured paper, and a practical demonstration paper.

Syllabus Content

The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including:

1. History of Physical Education and Sport: This topic explores the foundations, evolution, and origins of physical education and sport, culminating in a comparative study of their development, with a focus on Zimbabwe.

2. Health, Safety, and Environment: This section covers nutrition, diet, physical activity, substance abuse and anti-doping, and sports injuries and first aid.

3. Human Body Systems and Performance: Learners study the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, and their relationship to exercise and fitness.

4. Game Skills: This is a core component of the syllabus, covering various sports and activities, including athletics, aquatics, invasion games, net games, striking games, target games, combat games, and educational gymnastics. Each sport or activity is explored in terms of its history, rules, skills, equipment, and safety precautions.

5. Sport Enterprise: This topic introduces learners to the club concept, including types of clubs, organization of sport and recreation in Zimbabwe, stages of club formation, club organograms, and reasons for forming clubs. It also covers aspects of sport marketing, including funding models, the marketing mix, and marketing strategies.

6. Adventure Activities: This section focuses on practical skills and experiences in activities such as camping and orienteering.

7. Mass Displays: This unique component of the syllabus covers the history, choreography, formations, music, and background art involved in mass displays, a significant aspect of Zimbabwean culture. Learners are trained to design and perform in mass displays, drawing on themes from school, community, and national events.