Don't demote children for poor academic performance

Kumasi, Dec 12, GNA- Mrs Gladys Kwapong, the Kumasi Metropolitan Director of Education, has stated that it was not right for schools to demote children on the basis of their academic performance.

She reminded school authorities especially private schools that in their attempt to score 100 percent success at the Basic Certificate Education Examination (BECE), they should not make children they consider dull, scapegoats by asking them to repeat a class without the consent of their parents and other identifiable groups in education.

Mrs Kwapong pointed out that schools including private ones operate under the Education Act, 1961, which enjoins them to observe and abide by rules and regulations of the Ghana Education Service (GES), adding that the Act barred the demotion of children unless approval was sought from parents.

These were contained in an address read on her behalf at the second speech and prize-giving day of the Pentecost Schools at Abrepo in Kumasi on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Director of Education said the GES advocates the wholesale promotion of children in schools, explaining that since the Act had not been repealed, schools were not justified to demote children.

"We are advocates of the all-round training of the child and as a result the emphasis of schools should not only be on the academic aspects but should be on giving the children all the training they need in education and development.

Mrs Gifty Aboagye, Headmistress of the schools, commended the Church of Pentecost for its support for the school and urged the children to take their studies seriously.