Many parents and guardians who have wards in Pope John Senior High School (POJOSS) in Koforidua in the Eastern Region are agitating over what they describe as the falling standard of education in the school.
According to the parents, the academic performance of the school has dropped significantly affecting their wards.
The situation has forced many parents to enter into private agreements with teachers for extra classes costing them between Ghc 200 to Ghc300 per subject monthly.
This is in addition to the teacher motivation fee of Ghc100 per student paid every academic year as initiated by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA).
The parents say, their wards alleged that the Science laboratory in the school is dysfunctional due to a lack of basic tools.
On a Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) WhatsApp platform, some of the angry parents did not mince words pouring out their frustration against the management of the school.
“It is a serious issue. We think POJOSS is overrated. The academic performance in the school is falling Seriously. Now if you don’t do extra classes for your wards in the school paying between Ghc200 to ghc300 per subject monthly, it will be a disaster for your child. If this is how Free SHS they should let us know what we can pay to help improve standards. For me I will not recommend POJOSS to any of my family members ” one of the agitating parents told Bryt FM
Some teachers in the school however parried blame for the poor academic performance of the students saying they are doing their best.
The implementation of the Free Senior High School saw the placement of students with aggregates as high as 40 to POJOSS which previously admitted single-grade students.
“Most of such students are already weak academically. It is an exceptional case where few are able to improve tremendously. But the majority don’t even have an interest in schooling. Nonetheless, are trying our best to help them individually to catch up but the truth is that many are struggling”.
Meanwhile, Bryt News has also established in the school that, some teachers posted since the implementation of the Free Senior High School are inexperienced and academically not up to the standard previous required by management.
“Management used to vet teachers to ensure they meet before given the approval to teach in the school but now it is no more. You will be there then a teacher is posted by the Ghana Education Service as” a source in the school” a source said.
Characteristic of the Free SHS policy, delay in the release of funds to POJOSS like many other Senior High schools across the country is affecting the effective and efficient management of the school.
Unavailability of some basic teaching and learning materials, and retooling of the science laboratory to meet standards have been affected by the funding challenges.
At a meeting, management of the school requested parents with concerns to table before management for readdressing.
Benedicta Foli, Headmistress said the school is doing its best to ensure students who are academically weak are supported with extra curriculum activities done free of charge.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom.com/Education Desk
