Government?s proposal to introduce its new formula for admission to secondary schools is an issue that is being hotly debated in schools and almost everywhere. Most people have had the natural tendency to look at it taking into account the interest of pupils and this is only natural. First and foremost it is the interest of children that should preoccupy everybody when it concerns education.

However, teachers should have their say in the matter as it is directly related to their daily work. It is true that children are most subject to pressure when the system is based on cut-throat competition. But harsher competition means more responsibility and more work for teachers.

Teachers are now asking whether we are not reverting to the days when only a handful of them were given all the credit for those pupils who occupied the topmost positions in the list published in the press after examinations. It is now clear that we are going back to the old system when the merits of a few were recognized and the groundwork of teachers of lower classes done by the large majority was overlooked. Prior to the reforms proposed by ex-minister Mr Obeegadoo, there was a list of five to six thousand pupils.

The new proposal mentions a list of only 1,260 pupils and it is evident that this will entail unprecedented strain and stress both on kids and teachers. The irony or paradox is that some trade union representatives are defending the government?s proposal more than the minister himself and they go to the extent of treating those who are against it as ?passeists and têtes brulées? when in it is the contrary that is true when the views of eminent educationists and pedagogues are taken into account. Fortunately there are only a few people representing unions that give the impression of following doggedly the ministry?s proposal. It is also a good sign that up to now at least three unions representing the primary sector have disagreed with the new proposal.

The majority in schools is well aware of the additional responsibilities that will weigh upon them with the new proposal and this aspect of the problem has completely escaped the attention of certain union representatives. It was also disappointing to note some people representing teachers asserting that today children do not bother about compositions at CPE level. This is tantamount to laying the blame squarely on teachers themselves.

Members of the profession today are at a loss to understand how, in the frenzy to approve the new proposal of the ministry, some people seem oblivious of the fundamental aspect preoccupying teachers especially the issue of downloading of the curriculum. It is not only likely but almost certain that a more ruthless competition may render the curriculum heavier, to the detriment of not only pupils but also teachers. Many people may agree with the proposal to reward the best performers but not in a way that will take us back to a system worse than the one, which existed some years back.

Jugdish LOLLBEEHARRY