DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2015.v03i09.001

Pages: 1391-1395

The aim of this present study was to examine factors contributing towards the low performance of Ordinary level candidates of Makoni East Constituency in physical science using the qualitative methodology. The population consisted of all Form 4 pupils doing physical science at the 8 high schools, 16 teachers and 8 heads of schools. The sample comprised of 10 pupils, 4 teachers and 2 heads of schools. The study collected information through the use of an open ended questionnaire, interview and through the use of document analysis. The study revealed that the major causes of poor performance by pupils at Ordinary level physical science included lack of proper facilities, unavailable learner support materials, lack of discipline English language as a medium of instruction among other factors. The study recommends that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should ensure that schools are adequately supplied with teaching aids for physical science. There should also be learner support teams at schools to assist learners that may need extra lessons on physical science.