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by Ilika Karunaratne

Zeeniya Ziyard and Hafiz Milhan

With schoolboy violence continuing to make headlines in the wake of the recent champagne brawl of rich brats in five star glory, I thought I would seek an opinion on the why, how and wherefor of the present scenario from senior archetypical British educationist, Elizabeth Moir.

Her wide teaching experience in various parts of the world ad the fact that she began three international schools here, make her an authority on the subject. As I had the privilege of working with her at CIS, and at the British School, I know that her standards of academics, discipline and administration are exceptionally high. She has a way of handling children with an iron hand in a velvet glove, is kind but very firm and has an egalitarian outlook.

"Our classes are small which ensure a close relationship between student and teacher. Our students are close to each other, like one large family. We encourage the team spirit in every aspect of school, so have never had any serious breach of discipline. We insist on high academic performance side by side with drama, sports, debating etc. The pursuit of excellence in all fields including behaviour are important."

Mrs. Moir is elated about the recent academic success of her students who got 40% As in the O levels, As and 65% As and Bs. The crowning glory was that of the 6 students from Sri Lanka who got admission to Cambridge, 2 were from The Elizabeth Moir School and they were the only two who applied from there. Only 3 were accepted from a school which sent in a much larger number of applicants. Zeeniya Ziyard and Hafiz Milhan, are the two who got in.

Zeeniya for Neuroscience to Christ's College and Hafiz to Churchill College for Engineering. Chimmy Tendufla, who teaches economics, deals with university applications and is director of planning and teaching at the school commented, "When Hafiz applied Churchill College contacted me to say that his was by far the best application received by them. More than half our students go to British universities. Some are unable to do so in spite of their good results, because of the escalating costs of education in Britain. We have two such students reaching here at the moment. One got 4 As and the other 2As and a B."

"Our students love school. We have never had a drug or gun problem. I personally supervise discipline and contact with parents," says Mrs. Moir. "All our students do sports. We have clubs for cricket, basketball, football, swimming and athletics, membership is compulsory for students. It is important that students are kept busy and focused, family ties too must be close. It is often a neglected child, who is neglected in care and time but who is showered with luxuries, who gets involved in brawls to attract attention. When children have to work hard academically and train hard in sports, it leaves little time for less wholesome activities. Two of our swimmers were chosen for the SAARC games and one came 1st in the 100 and 200m in the Colombo district meet. Young minds must be trained in the management of time which will stand them in good stead later in life."

What does Mrs. Moir think local schools could do to mould children into having a better equilibrium and to be more at peace with each other and themselves? "Well we have 2 form periods a week of 40 mins and 20 mins on subjects like aids awareness, sex education, discipline, getting on with one's peers. We have a school counsellor too, who is on hand every day for students who feel the need for advice. We have a talk once a week on religions, current affairs etc. I have found that students get much more confidence when they take part in debates. It is usually a lack of self-confidence that leads students into throwing their weight about, swaggering around with the weight of their parent's bank balances, luxury vehicles and treating people to expensive wines and spirits which they think will buy them friends and recognition. It often produces a reverse reaction."

Two of our students were chosen as chairperson for the model United Nations at the BMICH, organised by The Overseas School. Schools from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan participated in this experience, which helps to build up self confidence and team spirit.

I asked Chimmy, who is in daily contact with senior students for his opinion. "I spend a lot of time and have a good rapport with them. I have gained their confidence so they are open and friendly with me.

They don't hide anything, often confess if they have done something wrong and ask for advice. Our students have a strong bond with each other, they help each other, don't laugh at mistakes in English made by newcomers to the language and reach out to each other." The script for the last school play was written by Chimmy. It dealt with Sri Lanka colloquial ways, prejudice, hypocrisy and thuggery too were introduced with astute observation most apt for our present trend in youth behaviour patterns.

Local schools and education authorities, should consult this quintessential educationist, Mrs. Moir to help develop a format for introducing moral issues into the school curriculum.

With a twinkle in her eye she admitted that she had been asked why she doesn't conduct classes in parenting! "To be calm, pliable and seeming pliable is the key to life".

Many parents are not exactly beacons of inspiration for their progeny, those problem parents give children little in time and when they do they witter on about superficialities.

They don't allow them to go out with friends for an ice-cream but shower their school-going children with mobile phones, credit cards and luxury cars.

Lessons in parenting are certainly needed. But this would certainly put the cat among the pidgeons!

I end with these words that Abraham Lincoln wrote to his son's headmaster which seem apt in Sri Lanka today.

"He will have to learn. I know, that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero. That for every selfish politician, there is a dedicated leader... Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend."

It will take time I know but teach him if you can that a dollar earned is of far more value than five found... Teach him to learn to loose and also to enjoy winning. Steer him away from envy, if you can, teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early, that the bullies are the easiest to lick.

Teach him if you can the wonder of books... but also give him quiet time to ponder the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun and flowers on the green hillside."

"In school, teach him it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat... Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tells him it is wrong... Teach him to be gentle with gentle people, and tough with the tough."

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the band wagon... Teach him to listen to all men... but teach him also to filter all he hears, on a screen of truth and take only the good that comes through."

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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