Kerala: Heat on state banning vacation classes

Kochi: The State Government has now banned vacation classes due to unprecedented heat conditions prevailing in the state. Two set of students who may be worried about loss of vacation classes are those appearing for board exams in Class X and Class XII. After summer, rains too can disrupt classes and this combined with hartals and holidays, will lead to loss of many class days. DC catches up with students and teachers to assess the pros and cons of the situation.

Anju John, a Class XII student of Hill Blooms School, Mananthavady, Wayanad, says that she hates going to school in summer.

“But I am not sure how many class days will be lost in the next academic year due to different reasons and he can we be ready for the exams? I think along with this ban the government must insist on schools and teachers to finish portions in time, even if it means teaching late in the night. By the way, it is not all that hot in Wayanad,” said Anju.

Deva Darshan of the same school, however, has a different opinion. “Classes in summer are a necessity to cope up with the ‘harthal’ regime in our state and the working days lost due to heavy rains,” he said. “However, ban is applied only to schools, and students who are doing entrance coaching, crash courses and variety of skill development courses are continuing classes all through the summer which is a paradox,” Deva Darshan added.

“No school or teacher is billing an extra amount for these summer classes and it is their dedication to students that is manifested therein. Most of the private schools have enough facilities to cope up with the hot weather conditions and the climat is not hot in districts like Wayanad. Summer classes enable a student to understand a subject thorough, especially for board exams.”

Vishnumaya Ramnath, another student of Hill Blooms School, finds the government decision was influenced by the complaints received by the Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights.

“Loss of class days will force teachers to rush to finish their portions, leaving no time for revisions. Students will be divested of extra curricular activities as well. So, I wouldn’t mind having summer classes even if it means losing some of my holidays,” said Vishnumaya.

Anitta Siby, Class XII, of St. Philomena’s Public School, Elanji, in Ernakulam, said students of Class XII can’t afford to lose even a day even during vacation.

 “Extreme weather conditions leading to loss of school days is sure to be a problem. In order to make good the lost time, some kind of a supervised learning should be installed for students in the board classes.  No activitiy including co-curricular activitties will make the vacation a virtual vacuum and hence I request the authorities to revisit the order,”said Anitta.

Neetha Susan Joe, Class XII student of the same school, said that the  two month-long vacation is a long period during which children and teenagers are left free to do nothing or anything they want and no student is mature enough to choose a suitable activity. Their spare time should be utilized for undertaking extracurricular activities and knowledge enhancing programmes.

“The students of senior classes have so much portion to cover and to start a little early during vacation can be very advantageous. The state child rights commission is requested to provide with an alternative rather than leaving the students in utter confusion with such a long vacation,” said Neetha.

Alan Joe Bony, Class X student of the same school, said that the state child rights commission should say what the children can do or should do during the long vacation. “If the hot climate is the reason, children are likely to be more exposed to it rather than remaining in a cool ambiance of an eco-friendly school,” he said. “Seminars and workshops can enhance their abilities and develop their talents during the vacation,”said the student.

Sreekala Karunakaran, Principal, SBOA Sr Secondary School, South Chittoor, said that the school administration is forced to replan and  reschedule classes to make up for the precious time lost.

 “Instead of summarily banning the vacation classes, permission could be given to conduct classes from 6.30 am to  10 am  in the month of April. This will ensure children wake up early and make use of the best time for study and before the sun scorches down they are back in the safe haven of their homes,” she said.

“The students of Std X and XII who are to appear for the Board exam will enjoy the leisure of studying without pressure. Vacation classes happen in a peaceful, calm and quiet atmosphere in the school. The students feel a sense of freedom and also relish the special attention given to them. It is a time of maximum learning and gives a sense of fulfillment for both the teachers and the taught,” Sreekala Karunakaran added.

Arundhathi. K, Class XII student of SBOA Public Sr SEc School, South Chittoor, Ernakulam said that she would vote for the 'no  vacation classes' given the scorching heat.

 However, vacation classes ensure 'hurry- free' mode of studies as well as it provides teachers ample time to complete portions. Unforeseen holidays are always a problem.  “Learning without understanding is not learning at all and when such humid conditions tire a student he/she is not able to learn. A ‘cool solution’ has to be found for this,” said Arundhathi.

S Devasankar, Class XII student of the school, was more candid. He said he was happy about vacation, but was worried about exams.

“If the students are unable to focus then there is no use for any class and if the hot weather does not permit it, then the government is right. Vacation classes are held to give students enough time to revise in the end. By utilising Saturdays the loss accrued due to ban on vacation class can be overcome to an extent. Then the schools should reduce the number of exams also. Schools should be exempted from hartals,” he said.

George Joseph, Manager, Hill Blooms School, Mananthavady, said that if Rajasthanis can do it and if the Tamilians can do it why Keralites have to wait for cool weather.