Tag Archives: professionalism
Mediocrity

Mediocrity

I have in front of me the 2010 “Statement of Results” for the National Senior Certificate statement of a youngster who demands to study at university. They are: Afrikaans 43, English 39, mathematical literacy 38, life orientation 78, business studies 41, computer applications technology 31, life sciences 28. At the bottom of the certificate is this unbelievable statement: “The candidate qualifies for the national senior certificate and fulfils the minimum requirements for admission to higher education.”

Angie Motshekga on the national teachers’ strike

The national teachers’ strike has been a major blow to public education, and has had a particularly devastating effect on the education of poor, rural and black children. I am pleased that the industrial action is now probably behind us and that we can begin the process of stabilizing our schools. The Council of Education Ministers and I have considered a range of options, including the extension of the school day, classes on weekends and how best to use the September school holidays, to make up for the lost schooling time.

True teachers

True teachers

I write this as an ex-teacher and headmaster of 40 years’ experience, whose family has been involved with education for many years. A recent comment in one of the newspapers that the dropping of OBE was not a cure-all has prompted me to write in support. While acknowledging the inequalities in education, one has at the same time to give credit to the role played by dedicated teachers. Apart from the hard work in the classroom, true teachers willingly participate in helping to organise sport and cultural activities. It seems to me that many teachers today are in it for all the wrong reasons.

You’re a teacher. Deal with it.

You’re a teacher. Deal with it.

My gripe with teachers is that many of them always seem to view the teaching profession as something that’s gone to the dogs. I suppose I’m generalising here, because even in the work place (i.e. business) there are people who absolutely despise their jobs to the point of rather wanting to work on a kibbutz or log pine trees somewhere in remote Siberia while drinking vodka and singing the “Volga Boatmen’s Song”.

Wat did skool do 4 me?

Wat did skool do 4 me?

If you’re a teacher reading this column heading with shock and disgust then hang in there. I do know how to spell and my grammar is about as good as any 24 year old, technically-savvy, sms generation man. I matriculated at SACS High School in 2004 after spending both my junior and high school careers at the oldest school in South Africa.

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