The academic programme should be in full swing and pressure is experienced by learners and staff to be effective and on track. It is important to take note of a few aspects that have tremendous impact on the year’s results.
Learning environment
A quiet and private learning area should be created at home where each learner/child will have the opportunity to do homework, complete assignments or study for tests and examinations.
Make sure that all necessary and applicable equipment and resources are available and in working condition.
Prioritise your work and obligations looking at what needs to be done, how and when.
A timetable must be pinned up where it is always visible – this is important not only for the completion of homework, but also for daily revision of work.
Make provision for the revision of one subject each day, over and above the ordinary homework.
Make use of multi-sense information capturing: see what is written (vision), say what you see (audio) and do it (write it down).
Take notes and review your work regularly. Read using the SQ3R approach: Skim, Question, Read, Recall, Review.
Work or study for 40 minutes and then take a break. Exercise regularly and drink lots of water.
Home and school relations
Healthy and effective relations between school and parents are important.
You should aim for the following:
- To establish and maintain a good relation between parents and teachers.
- To acknowledge the noble calling of the teaching profession to educate, train and equip our youth for the future.
- Be aware and acknowledge that the mutual attitude, dedication, commitment, self-discipline, ideals, training and conduct determine quality of education.
- Commit to do all within your power, in exercising of duties and responsibilities, to act in accordance with the ideals of the school’s vision and mission.
- Act in a way that does not bring the teaching profession or school into disrepute.
The Educator
As educators we need to respect the dignity, beliefs and constitutional rights of each learner, which includes the right to privacy and confidentiality.
Each child is unique, has his/her own specific needs and relies on the acknowledgement of teachers in this regard.
Learners need to be guided and encouraged to realise their potential and ability to be developed.
A set of values must be developed consistently – not only in the school, but specifically at home.
Teachers have an opportunity to exercise authority with compassion without any form of humiliation, abuse or physical or psychological harassment.
Within the ethical domain educators should use appropriate language and behaviour in interacting with learners and act in a way which elicits learners’ respect.
Learners need to be protected at all costs and teachers must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all learners.
A harmonious relationship with parents needs to be recognised and promoted.
Parents need to be, where practically possible, adequately and timeously informed about the well-being, progress, behaviour and conduct of their children.
We also need to recognise that our educational institutions serve our community through the tuition of its children, and therefore acknowledge that there will be differing customs, codes and beliefs in the parent community.
It is vital that teachers conduct themselves in a manner that does not show disrespect these values, custom and norms.
The Learner
Start working from day one.
Get used to a working and learning culture. School is what you make of it.
Treat your teachers with respect, attend all classes on time, and adhere to all school policies, regulations, rules and instructions (Code of Good Practice/Conduct).
Submit your assignments, assessments and homework on time.
Behave at all times in a civilised manner and avoid any form of humiliation, bullying and unacceptable language.
Refrain from improper behaviour, physical, mental or sexual assault or harassment.
Stay away from weapons, illegal substances such as alcohol and other addictive substances.
Parents
You are partners in our education system and should not oppose our teachers in an inappropriate way.
You may differ but conduct yourself in a manner that does not disrespect to the values, customs and norms of the school.
Get involved and contribute to all activities initiated by the school for the benefit of our children.
Please support the school, educators and the learners as partners in education and ensure your child attends school on time and enters the school premises when dropped off in the morning.
It is also important where possible, to keep the school informed about the well-being of your child.
* Written for the Addy by Wynandus Bezuidenhout, Protea School principal.
