Welcome and initiate new students

This week marked the beginning of the academic year for O and A-Level students. At Students carrying their suitcases and mattress was a common sight. After the results had been released, I met with a few students and I took the chance to ask them about their performance and which schools they were intending to join. Typically those who performed well did not have any problem opening up to me while those whose results were not enviable often brushed off the conversation by saying things were not easy. Some students were not so happy with the schools they had been posted to while others were not satisfied with the subject combinations they were offered. What all this means is that many schools are not doing a satisfactory job at career guidance. Students are not explicitly told which subjects lead too which career and which schools offer their preferred academic preferences. This reminds me of a student who in 2007 was studying arts and said she wanted to become a doctor. On the other hand, school authorities should orient new students to the schools culture and be given proper school uniform so that they do not look odd and isolated. Besides these school accessories should be handed out on their arrival since most schools demand that student’s pay all school dues before they are enrolled. A copy of the school regulations should read out and handed to them. They should be introduced to their teachers and the school prefects. I know cases where new students have mistaken older students to be members of the school administration! They should also be given a brief tour of the school. You don’t want a new student ending up in the kitchen when it is time to go to the computer lab. That is why it pays to have most of the school facilities well labelled. More importantly, older students must be cautioned against bullying newcomers. Cases of bullying should be dealt with decisively so as to curb the dangerous habit from getting entrenched. Students need to be reminded about their purpose in school. They should understand that they are at a new level in the academic ladder and therefore more effort is required of them if success is to be achieved. ssenyonga@gmail.com Teacher’s mind By Allan Brian Ssenyonga