Classes In Summer in Schools - Health Risks

Private schools start Class 10 summer classes

Mar 29, 2014, 03.39AM IST TNN[ R Gokul ] Times of India



TRICHY: Even before the Class 10 board examinations are over, some private schools in Trichy have begun classes for the next Class 10 batch. Though the education department has warned against conducting classes in summer, students have to attend the summer classes.

In fact, some private schools commenced the new Class 10 batch the very day after the SSLC examination commenced on March 26. Of about 400 schools in Trichy district, several schools finished the annual examination for Class 9 in advance in order to start the next Class 10 batch. Some schools conduct classes from 8.30am to 4pm, though Sundays are a holiday.

Both parents and students are helpless as they can't object to the decision of the school administrations. However, there are murmurs of protest. "An illusion is created that more time and more effort should be given for Class 10 and 12. Immense pressure is put on students from the beginning. Classes are begun in summer itself despite objection from parents. Schools want to take credit for making students score high in these classes," said Paul Guna Loganath, a motivational trainer.

Loganath added that schools are least bothered about students' relaxation during holidays or vacation. "Students are not allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities," he noted.

Meanwhile, some schools are planning to begin the classes for the next academic year in the first week of May. A Aarifa, principal of Adam's Matriculation School, Trichy, said classes held for a very limited period during the summer vacation will not affect students. "We are conducting coaching classes to class 10 students for their public exams. As we are cautious about students' health, classes will be conducted only for a few hours," Aarifa said.

Academicians claim that an early start enables schools to complete the syllabus well before the next public exam so that students get time to revise the syllabus. "Vacation should be there at least for three weeks in peak summer so that students can relax. On the other hand, the classes need to be started early so that teachers can give attention to all students," said Fr R Sahayaraj, the correspondent of Jegan Matha Matriculation School, Trichy.

But the Private School Teachers Association is against summer classes. "We are always against holding classes in summer because most schools have not enough facilities to provide additional care to the students to protect them from scorching sun. Moreover, there should not be any forceful attempt to make students study well," said Manoharan, treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Private School Teachers and Officers Association.

Doctors also advise against conducting classes during summer holidays. "First, holding classes in rooms during summer is not advisable considering health issues. If at all it is necessary to conduct classes, there should be proper ventilation and adequate water facility in class rooms. Otherwise extreme education will lead to stress," said Dr MA Aleem, vice-principal of KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College, Trichy.

Meanwhile, education department has warned schools of stringent action. "As per rule, there should be no class from April last week. If they violate rules, they will have to face the consequences. We warned such schools which conducted classes during last summer," said K Selvakumar, chief educational officer (CEO), Trichy.