It is my great pleasure to address you on this special day the 11th of October 2024 as we are
gathered to celebrate the success achieved by our learners across the curriculum.
The fact that you came from far and wide is a clear indication of the value you place on your
children’s education.
As is customary on this day, I will start by reviewing our academic performance for 2023. I
am absolutely delighted to inform you that our students continue to raise both our
academic and sporting flags high.
In 2023, our ‘A’ level students realised a 98% pass rate while the ‘O’ level students realised
65%. Our admission policy at ‘O’ level is not selective as per government expectation. We
are working flat out to better our current showing. The following students obtained the results stated below:
Kudakwashe Chidere – 15 points
Joseph Tiki – 15 points
Quinton Chagonda – 14 points
Ropafadzo Toto – 14 points
Gamuchirai Mandisodza – 13 points
Tatenda Chitare – 13 points
The majority obtained thirteen points. Most of our students got admitted in our local
universities, currently we have more than thirty students in various universities, including
those abroad.
As for sports, Westwood College has done extremely well at Zonal, District, Provincial and
National levels. For the record, we have gold medals at all the levels mentioned above.
The displayed trophies are a testimony. We thank our parents for their valuable support,
our students, teachers and the Board.
Transport
The issue of provision of transport is an emotive matter. We are acutely aware of the expectations of our parents in this regard. The College Board has resolved to purchase a Yutong Bus
– arrangements are at an advanced stage
– Parents will be advised at a meeting to specifically discuss the subject.
Infrastructure Development
The college has plans to build an eight classroom block with upstairs. The block will house both academic and practical subjects. In addition the college is also set to build abulution block to cater for the needs of our expanded enrolment.
Furthermore, in order to cut on the high level of dust in classrooms, the college has plans to
construct pavers in all areas that have soil.
Boarding School
As part of its development plan, Westwood College introduced boarding facilities.
For those who are enrolled in the boarding school, they testify of the high standards in the
department. We are encouraging those who need boarding places to please visit our offices.
Smart Televisions
In line with the expectations of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the
college is using smart televisions to teach lessons to our students. Smart TVs have multiple
advantages that help learners to understand topics which ordinarily they would find
challenges to follow.
Currently we have four TVs but are looking at buying some more in order to have every
classroom with a smart TV.
Trips
We recently visited Beira in Mozambique. The students enjoyed themselves. We are
planning a trip to Zanzibar in Tanzania for March 2025. You will be informed of the money to
be paid soon. In the current year; we sent a team of learners to go and compete in Public speaking. They
came out position one. Well done to the girls and boys and their Patron – Mr F. Mataruse.
Special mention goes to the cheerleaders who came out position one at a competition held
at Mt Pleasant High School. Also further special mention goes to the Volleyball Girls U20
team for National Gold medal.
Learner’s Driver’s Licences
We are working with an established Driving School; an instructor is coming to teach our
students rules of the road in order to get driver’s licences. Since the introduction of the programme, twenty-five learners have managed to obtain learner’s licences at Belvedere VID.Those who desire to obtain a driver’s licence are strongly encouraged to join the excellent programme.
Discipline
Let’s put our hands together and applaud you our students and parents for the level of
discipline of our students. Yes, we may have a few malcontents, who need re-alignments- that is normal and expected but frankly, the majority of our students are known for high level of discipline. We are proud of you all! Keep it up!
Textbooks
Our textbooks sharing ratio currently stands at 1 as to 2. Our aim is to have a 1 is to 1 setup.
We encourage our students to handle textbooks with care.
