School pupils’ manners on the decline
AFTER recently attending a local school function, I was so shocked at the decline in pupil etiquette. The manner in which pupils treat their teachers today is just embarrassing, and sadly, I have noticed more of a change in Zululand schools. Although I enjoy the atmosphere of a small family-like school, I feel it is …
AFTER recently attending a local school function, I was so shocked at the decline in pupil etiquette.
The manner in which pupils treat their teachers today is just embarrassing, and sadly, I have noticed more of a change in Zululand schools.
Although I enjoy the atmosphere of a small family-like school, I feel it is important to know where the line is drawn when it comes to treating your teacher professionally and unprofessionally.
As a recent matriculant myself, I can fully understand that pupils today have a lot more ‘freedom’ in the school environment than back in the day, but the attitude problems are slowly becoming worse.
When I was at school, if I was told to do something, I did it. I did not make an excuse and take a relaxing break while my peers went on to do the task.
I really feel that schools should be stricter when it comes to laying down the rules and revive some old tactics to keep order in the classroom.
DISAPPOINTED PAST PUPIL
Unfortunately the schools can no longer lay the rules down or enforce discipline as it becomes either a racial or a human rights fight with the parents.
I watched one morning while at a government school the blatant disrespect shown to the head master. He asked 3 matric boys (who I might add where lounging on the grass with their shirts untucked) to please collect chairs for 4 people. They turned to him and said that it was not their duty.
I was speechless, horrified and about ready to strangle these 4 boys. When chatting to the headmaster (who is a white man) later, he told me that there is nothing he can do as the parents not only demand an education, have no influence in this education as they do not attend parents meetings etc, BUT are the first ones to March into his office and call him a racist if he tries to instill discipline.
I left the sports day disgusted … In my day, 20 years ago, not only did we stand up, neatly presented and greet our headmaster – but we would NEVER have spoken with such disrespect and arrogance to the person heading the school to which we would one day owe our education.
I hang my head in shame when I see how our education system has failed post 1994.
It’s time this present government admits defeat and asks for help. Education is not a right – it’s a privilege to which we should be greatful for and in turn show appreciation to the teachers. They are the ones that actually spend more time with our children than we do. It’s no wonder our good quality teachers are leaving – I would too!
I understand that the pupils have a bit more freedom in schools,but they are taken advantage of it… they don’t care, because mommy and daddy will just be there if they feel the teachers are unfair… I blame the parents, they allow their own children to talk to them just like they want and do what they want. Discipline starts at home, if your kid doesn’t respect you as a parent how can they respect anyone. Wake up parents and take responsibility for Your kids actions also. Teachers are there to teach your kids, without them you are looking at a country gradually going backwards. Like it is now. Why do you think we are in need of teachers??