GES introduces revised unified code of conduct

Takoradi, April 3, GNA- Mrs Rebecca Dadzie, Western Regional Director 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