Attend classes or no examination, Education Director cautions

Nkoranza (B/A), Nov. 08 GNA - Madam Philippa Banson, Nkoranza South District Director of Education, has warned students, who register for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), but do not attend classes that, they would not be allowed to take part in such examinations.

Madam Banson gave the warning, when she visited some Junior High Schools in the communities, to check on staff and students attendance. She expressed concern about allegations made by the headmasters that some of the final-year students stop attending classes after they have registered for the BECE and would only report to the Examination centres when the examinations begin. According to the headmasters, such negative attitudes of the recalcitrant students cause the schools to record poor performances in the BECE examination.

Madam Banson said her outfit would soon meet parents to sign an undertaking to ensure that their final year children agree to her directives and decision.

The District Director urged headmasters to instill discipline in the schools to check absenteeism and hooliganism. Madam Banson was not happy about how some girls were engaging in pre-marital sex and said such negative practices had been the cause of teenage pregnancies and school drop outs in the communities. She pleaded with parents to monitor their children and restrain them from associating with their peers, whose behaviours are questionable, so that they would not drag them into social vices. "Parents should also provide their children with the basic needs and encouraging them in their education. Madam Banson called on teachers to live above reproach and be role models for the youth. 8 Nov. 10