Boardinazation of BECE candidates by private schools is needless

How much can private schools that mandate boarding for their BECE candidates outperform those who attend most private schools in Ghana as day students? Of what use is a boardinazation of BECE candidates by private schools if students in Day school in public and private schools make better grades than those in such private boarding schools?

There are students in boarding schools managed by private junior high schools who will not make the grades that their colleagues in public day schools will make, yet parents must cough up avoidable expenses for such services.

While the GES looks unconcerned, the boarding of BECE candidates by private schools has become a trend in private basic schools in Ghana.

Some schools started keeping students in boarding houses when the learners were in JHS1 term one and that is not good enough for learners.

This new practice of keeping BECE (Basic Education Certificate Examination) candidates in boarding houses is believed to have the potential to improve their academic performance.

But is there any substantial evidence from such private schools, aside from the high fees they charge and the other various fees they impose on parents which deplete savings by parents?

The notion created in the minds of parents that their children will do well if camped in schools is unfounded.

This article explores why this trend may be unnecessary, financially draining, and potentially counterproductive to the well-being of learners.

The myth of better performance

For private schools, the main reason for introducing compulsory boarding for JHS3 students is that the boarding system will offer a controlled learning environment that will also minimize distractions to help learners focus on their studies and pass their examinations. However, it’s worth noting that despite spending three years in the boarding house at the SHS level, many students still fail their WASSCE examinations.

Often, students who attend day schools excel compared to boarders at the JHS level. This raises the question: why are private schools pushing for boarding? Before the introduction of the infamous compulsory boarding services by private basic schools, students who sat at the BECE were excelling with good grades.

Reasons why boardinazation of BECE candidates by private schools is needless

Factors influencing academic success

Success at the BECE has several contributing factors, and the boardinization of students is not necessarily one of them.

The determinants include:

Quality of Teaching:

The work input by teachers at any school, be it public or private, plays a major role in shaping the preparation and performance of BECE candidates. Teachers carry out this task not only during regular school hours but also during additional sessions, commonly referred to as extra classes. Supportive and skilled teachers, not boarding systems, can contribute to performance.

Parental Involvement:

Parents are key players in the preparation of their wards for the BECE, as they and their siblings offer the needed support and encouragement at home. Parents often apply high levels of checks and balances. Regrettably, the majority of private JHS facilities that offer boarding services restrict parents’ access to their children, even during weekends. This deprives children of the supportive home environment and parents they need to improve their learning outcomes.

How will parents be able to track the improvement of their wards and keep in touch to know very well what their sweat (money) is yielding?

Student Motivation:

While intrinsic motivation and self-discipline are crucial for academic success, At this age, there is no guarantee that forcing students into an enclosed school environment will automatically foster these qualities.

Individual Needs:

Every learner is unique and has a different learning style that works for him or her. While some do well in a boarding environment, others perform better with the support and comfort of their home and family. Forcing a boarding system on such children means destroying some of them for the sake of others and the financial rewards that the schools enjoy.

Potential Downsides of Boardinazation

Compelling students to stay in boarding houses can have several negative consequences:

1. Emotional and Psychological Impact: Boarding can be stressful for young students, leading to homesickness, anxiety, and other emotional issues. These factors can adversely affect their academic performance and overall well-being.
2. Financial Burden: Boarding fees add a significant financial strain on families. For many, the cost of boarding is prohibitively expensive, leading to inequities in access to education. Some parents who cannot afford such boarding fees are compelled to withdraw their wards from such schools.
3. Social Isolation: Being away from their family and local community can isolate students, impacting their social development and emotional health.
4. Questionable Effectiveness: Without concrete evidence supporting boarding’s effectiveness in improving BECE results, the practice appears to be an unnecessary imposition.

A Call for Evidence-Based Practices

Solid evidence, not tradition or assumption, should guide education policies and practices. Schools must focus on proven strategies that enhance learning and performance for all students, regardless of their living arrangements. These strategies include:

• Enhanced Teacher Training: investing in continuous professional development for teachers to ensure high-quality instruction.
• Parental Engagement: encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s education through regular communication and involvement in school activities.
• Holistic Support: Offering counseling and support services to address students’ emotional and psychological needs.
• Tailored Learning Approaches: Identifying and catering to students’ diverse learning styles and needs.

Private school boarding systems for BECE candidates as a practice lacks empirical support and may be more of a burden than a benefit. Rather than compelling students to stay in boarding houses, schools should focus on evidence-based approaches that foster academic success and holistic development. By prioritizing quality teaching, parental involvement, and student well-being, we can create an educational environment that truly supports all learners.

READ: Truth Uncovered In The Atomic Hills Basic School Unapproved Fees Allegations

Just in case your ward is in a private BECE and a boarding house. You need to take on such schools if your ward fails to make 8 or 7 ones after all this while in the boarding schools and if your ward does not get placed in his or her first or second choices because that is what they promise parents for the high fees they charge.

The Boardinazation of BECE candidates by private schools is needless and must be stopped or controlled by the GES with a forward-looking policy.