To bring uniformity in dealing with students when offences are committed, principals of remote schools in Thimphu classified common discipline problems into major and minor. This will also help to curb favoritism trend in the schools.
Students will now be dealt for their offences as per the classification system. Actions taken will also be in line with the severity of the offences.
Offences like irregularity in school, poor hygiene, dress code and abusive languages are categorised as minor offences. While gang fights, substance abuse, vandalism, cheating in examinations was tagged as major offences.
This was discussed at a meeting held last week among ten school principals of remote schools in Thimphu. The meeting also decided that offences should be reflected in the character certificate, so that it can speak of its own.
Thimphu Dzongkhag Education Officer, Tshering Yangden, said such initiatives will help take appropriate action so that students realise their acts. “It is important to sensitise the students and the teachers as well so that they know which offences are serious and which are not. It is important because teachers can deal accordingly and students can also behave accordingly. It is especially important for the teachers so that we know what values are to be instilled and where they lacking and what are the lapses in school discipline policies,” she added.
It was also discussed that actions will be taken according to the degree and frequency of the offence. The step for taking action follows a verbal reminder, notification to class teacher, counseling and written explanation by the student.