There is something I hear about a well-known JC. It seems like a great school, students are smart etc. But what I heard was that the culture of the school is actually far from great. Teachers are v academically driven, lack of concern for students’ well-being. Students are stressed up (although that could be the case in any other sch as well). In the mornings, there are teacher(s) who shout at students to get in the assembly hall on time.
My own sister, many years ago, had attended this JC. She was a sought after sports person and played for the school. However, she was struggling in other areas and did not get the support she needed. In her year 1, one of her school mates attempted/ committed S…….
She thought to herself, why can’t it be me? Shocked at her own contemplation, she decided a change was needed. Finally deciding to quit school, she consulted one of her teachers, who merely asked her if she could play for the school team next year. A shocking disregard for her well-being. Just wanted to use her to get a trophy the following year, aloof to her struggles and distress.
When I recounted the recent stories about this JC, she was surprised that the culture did not seem to change at all.
Recently a famous football superstar visited this school, which I had the rare chance to attend. Understandably, the crowd was wild with excitement. Oddly, there was a group(s) of students boo-ing at the guest. The students were wearing their Victorian shirt. I was just bewildered why their behaviour. Even the primary and secondary sch students behaved better than them. And these JC students are going to be the leaders of our future? Makes me think what kind of values the sch inculcates in their students.
I wanted to share this story, hopefully to reach out to students, teachers or alumni who could share more about their own experience and what needs to change. There could be many students there who are genuinely struggling with issues on their own, although it seems like a ‘top’ jc. Grades are important but hollow without social and emotional intelligence.
The govt now says that ‘meritocracy is not just about schools and grades’. How will this be reflected in our schools, and JCs in particular? What needs to be changed?