In the sixties it was difficult to get an
education. Students had to pay to get an
education and at the same time assist their parents at home. System of education was elimination of failures. A few will reach Senior Cambridge and the
best will continue for higher education. During those days none were
jobless. Jobs were for the taking. Standard Six graduates could become
teachers. How did this happen?
The standard of education was very
high. The teachers were motivated by how
many of their students can pass an examination rather then monetary gain. The standard of education was never
compromised in the sixties. I can still
remember the dedicated teachers from India, England, West Malaysia, Burma and
Singapore.
The job of the School Captain was only
second to the teachers. The School
Captain and the prefects were given controlled powers to discipline the
students. As an example, students caught
speaking Bahasa Melayu at that time were fined ten cents. It was successful.
Co-curriculum activities provided students
with freedom to learn new things.
Students were taught to lead in various activities such as the Scouts
movement, the School Band and taking part in acting and singing in the School
Concert. Students became ‘Jack of All
Trades’ and they developed the spirit of never to say ‘NO’ when others needed
help.
Things appeared to have changed these days
and there seems to be the absence of the spirit of ‘gotong royong’ amongst the
students. Their focus seems to be to
study, study, and study apparently for a better future.
Nelson Mathews
School Captain 1969
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