At Sharon School, we value the importance of indigenous languages in fostering cultural identity and meaningful communication. Shona, one of Zimbabwe's official languages, is widely spoken in the Mashonaland region where our school is located. As such, it is an essential part of our curriculum, not only for academic purposes but also for community engagement and cultural appreciation.
Learning Shona empowers our pupils to communicate effectively with Shona-speaking peers, teachers, and visitors. It also prepares them for outreach activities in rural communities, where the ability to speak and understand the local language enhances connection, compassion, and service. Whether interacting with the elderly, sharing messages of hope, or participating in cultural exchanges, our pupils are better received and understood when they are able to speak the language of the people.
Language is a powerful tool for unity. When learners understand and speak Shona, barriers are broken, and relationships are strengthened. Pupils gain a deeper appreciation for the customs and values embedded in the Shona culture, which in turn encourages them to embrace diversity within and beyond the school environment. For those whose mother tongue is Shona, the subject also affirms their identity and heritage within the Sharon School community.
Shona is offered from Grade 1 to Grade 7 and is one of the examinable subjects at ZIMSEC Grade 7 level. As a school committed to excellence in all areas—including academics, character development, and cultural education—we strive to ensure that our pupils are well-prepared and confident in their Shona proficiency.
In addition to the ZIMSEC examination, our Grade 7 pupils also have the opportunity to sit for the ATS CHISZ Shona examination.
To meet the diverse language backgrounds of our learners, we offer both L1 (First Language) and L2 (Second Language) Shona classes from Grade 3 to 6, led by experienced and qualified Shona educators who are passionate about language and cultural instruction.
At Sharon School, the Shona Department continues to grow, playing a key role in developing articulate, culturally-aware, and community-minded pupils.
