Shortage of classroom space at Katopola Day Secondary School in Chipata District in Eastern Province has resulted in overcrowding of pupils in classrooms.
The challenge, which has come about as a result of high demand from parents for pupils’ enrolment, is reported to be impacting negatively on teaching and learning at the school.
This came to light when School Head Teacher, Boyd Banda, presented a report at this year’s Parents, Teachers Association (PTA) Annual General meeting held at the learning facility.
Mr Banda said apart from shortage of classroom space, the learning institution also had insufficient teaching and learning materials particularly in science and Information Communication and Technology (ICT).
Mr Banda said currently, the School had 986 learners comprising 505 girls and 481 boys, saying the learning facility previously shared infrastructure with Katopola Primary School.
“Katopola Day Secondary School struggles with several challenges that impact teaching and learning negatively. Overcrowded classrooms which can hinder personalised instructions and limited technology integration, restricting modern learning experience, among others,” Mr Banda said.
He noted that the school also lacked an assembly hall and transport to ferry sick pupils to hospital, noting that whenever a pupil fell sick and needed to be taken to a health facility, the school relied on teachers’ vehicles.
Katopola Day Secondary School was established in 2014 as a combined school providing both Primary and Junior Secondary education and was now operating as a super grade two secondary School from Grade eight to twelve, with its own administration.
