I have been in one school for over 10 years now (for primary and now secondary) and it’s beginning to bore me. Although the school performs well, I feel I should change to another one. What’s  your advice?

iyaremye

It’s rationally imperative that you place your efforts in appreciating and utilizing the value of the quality standards your school offers which is the primary objective in your educational journey rather than investing your energy into the luxury of touring many schools. Although enormous reasons could inevitably lead to change of schools, whatever the motive, research reveals that change of school during primary or secondary education could affect a student’s performance and this can cause future devastating effects on both your academic, social and psychological endeavours.

When you change school, the study routines are disrupted as the pace of comprehension slows to accommodate new teachers, methodology, content and new students plus the environment which may involve a learning curve for the new student. This may put you behind and you will never catch up. Teachers too have to take special time away from normal schedules and academic routines to assimilate you into their classrooms yet other students also have to adjust to the presence of another personality.

Similarly, grade-level curriculum can vary from one school to the next. Thus, your competencies or experiences may fall short of, or exceed those of peers. School relationships are often built on strong collaboration between the student, teachers and school administration. This can be established as a result of long stay and interactions with the people of your school. Therefore, negative correlation between the academic achievements and school switching is extremely disrupting and may lead to academic failure in the long run. Don’t dare leave this school.                                                           

The writer is a teacher and counsellor

YOUR COUNSEL

David Ntagwabira 

What matters most about a school is its academic performance. If your school is enabling you to achieve your academic goals, then I advise you to stay there. Being very comfortable without good grades will count for nothing eventually.

Claudine Munkangirishunti          

Although the school might be boring, there’s nothing that can replace a school that performs well. Remember your performance now will have a bearing on your future so just be a bit more patient.

Gilbert Hategikimana

Changing school isn’t a good idea. This is because the new school might not meet your expectations hence getting frustrated even the more. Just concentrate on your books and forget everything else.

Patrick Rukundo            

 It is clear your negative attitude towards the school is beginning to take a toll on you. What matters at this point is academic performance of the school. Change your attitude and you will see an improvement in your marks.