of the Ghana Education Service (GES), on Tuesday said the service has
introduced a Revised Unified Code of Conduct to enforce discipline
among its staff and students at schools.
She stated this in an address read for her at the Induction of new
prefects and awards day of Bompeh Secondary Technical School at
Takoradi.The Day was under the theme "A Disciplined Student and A
Motivated Teacher: Hallmark For Academic Excellence".
Mrs Dadzie said the code has been effective in combating indiscipline
at schools and many school administrations have been applying its
tenets.She said discipline is essential if teaching and learning in
schools are to be effective.Mrs Dadzie said, "If we accept the idea
that a quiet atmosphere promotes learning, it follows that any breach
of that atmosphere is not be tolerated".Mrs Dadzie said it is the
teacher's moral duty to keep peace in the classroom because it is by
this means that students develop the proper moral character.She
advised the new prefects to foster harmonious relationship between the
school authorities and students and to perform their roles diligently
to project the positive image of the school.
Mr. Maxwell Ayuub Morgan, Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Director of
Education, said student discipline and staff motivation are basic
requirements for academic excellence.
He asked the prefects to maintain discipline among the student
population and to promote peer counselling, identify recalcitrant
students, lead lives worthy of emulation and never condone wrongdoing
even among their friends.
Mr. Morgan said the staff of the school must show the way by being
disciplined, adding, "As teachers let us be united in curbing
indiscipline of all forms".
He said staff absenteeism breeds student indiscipline and, "If a
teacher is not committed to his duties and does not mark exercises, is
not fair and firm with students and if he condemns his colleagues in
the presence of students, such a teacher would be promoting
indiscipline".
Mr. Morgan said parents should co-operate with teachers in promoting
and maintaining discipline and avoid quarrelling and fighting with
them when they try to correct their wards.
Mrs Aba Smith, Headmistress of the school, said the school obtained
95 per cent pass in last year's West Africa Senior Secondary
Certificate Examination (WASSSCE).
She said the school also performed creditably in the 2006 Science and
Mathematics Quiz at its first appearance and has been invited to
participate again this year.
Mrs Smith commended the school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for
providing accommodation for teachers, establishing a computer
laboratory and purchasing a school bus.Mr. Joseph Quansah, a retired
Metropolitan Director of Education, who presided, urged parents not to
look down on the school because it is a community institution.
He said students are receiving the same education as their
counterparts in well-endowed schools. Mr. Quansah called on the
community, companies and business establishments to assist the school
to develop.
3 April 07
