I was supposed to be joining Senior Six next year but unfortunately I was asked to repeat Senior Five. I wanted to change school but my parents rejected my request. However I feel uncomfortable considering that my former classmates are ahead of me and will laugh at me. I’m confused, what should I do? 

James

With the current push for high educational standards, more and more students are facing the possibility of being asked to repeat a class for not attaining the required pass mark. Class retention (repeating) is viewed as a way to ensure that there is accountability by both the school and students. This is indeed a very difficult and emotionally disturbing decision especially when the school authorities and parents insist that you should repeat class. It leaves you with no option but to focus on the most crucial things.

It’s particularly important to repeat Senior Five if your teachers think it will help you master better topics that you might be lagging behind. This decision by the teachers could help you perform better in future. Proceeding uninterrupted to Senior Six along with your chronological peers where you will be tasked to handle much more complex concepts, without a structured validation on how well you perform in the lower level, isn’t the right strategy and could lead to serious academic difficulties. This will help you to understand and master content that will be important to your academic future.  Be sure to participate frequently in class, ignore your peers’ comments about your retention and work closely with your teachers to ensure that you are given extra assistance both socially and academically. You could ultimately become a star in the next class.

YOU DEBATE

Jacky Kasande                   

Changing school won’t change the fact that you repeated a class. In fact it might worsen your situation. I advise you to ignore your peers and concentrate on your books. With time you will appreciate your teachers’ advice.

Monica Mabeyi                    

Change your attitude towards repeating class and look at it as the best opportunity to improve your academic standing. Always remember your teachers and parents don’t hate you, but wish you the best. Be positive and you will reap big.

Albel Nshimiyimana                   

The best thing for you is to focus on improving your grades. Don’t mind about what your friends say because it is immaterial. It might be challenging at the moment but you will get over it.

Theoneste Murwanashaka

Focused students do not run away from failure. Instead they find ways to overcome them. Repeating Senior Five should make you more determined to improve your grades. The teachers will be by your side all the way. Take heart.