What two schools have done

• MAYFLOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL

   

  Results: About 30 students were arriving late at the start of last year. The number has shrunk by half.

  Methods: A combination of rewards, technology, discipline and counselling.

  From 2008, the school launched a reward system in which classes with the lowest rates of lateness and truancy, and high participation in school activities, were given certificates to be displayed on their classroom door.

  The school seats latecomers outside the general office during morning assembly.

  Teachers who encounter such students are required to speak to them about the school's values, such as having a positive attitude and responsibility.

  This year, the school introduced a computer system that makes tracking easier.

  Details of latecomers are keyed into the system, which teachers can log into from any computer terminal.

  Vice-principal Sarawathy Varadaraju said: 'We try to affirm and promote good habits by using peer pressure and class spirit. The students really enjoy the recognition.'

   

• TAMPINES JUNIOR COLLEGE

   

  Results: More than 80 students were late daily. This was cut to about 20 a day last year, a 75 per cent plunge.

  Methods: Like Mayflower Secondary, Tampines enforced monitoring and preached the virtues of being punctual, along with paying attention and participating in lessons.

  The students' overall assessment includes being prepared for and being participative during lessons.

  To motivate students, those who exhibit good college values are recognised publicly.

  The school also now starts its morning assembly at 7.40am, instead of 7.30am, so that students will not be caught in peak-hour traffic.

  Principal Helen Choo said: 'Believing in the principle of tough love, the college uses a carrot-and-stick method to develop discipline and instil a good work attitude in students.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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