Rationale



One of the functions of primary school is to provide an environment where the Aims of Primary Education can be achieved to the greatest possible extent. Education can be seen as a sequence of learning experiences that progress through developmental stages to meet the needs of the child. The educational process should therefore be child centered; yet reflect the needs and expectations for the community and society. It is the responsibility of teachers to provide opportunities for and help children to:

In order to achieve these aims, the following principles should be recognised:- = __ Children: __ =
 * Develop to their full potential; and
 * Become responsible and effective members of society.

= __ As Educators, Teachers should: __ =
 * Children progress through recognisable stages of development.
 * All aspects of a child’s education and development need to be catered for – physical, intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, aesthetic and moral.
 * Children should actively participate in learning experiences that focus on processes as well as content. These experiences can be translated into communicating, investigating and expressing activities.
 * The acquisition and development of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values form the building blocks of learning, thus education.


 * Be tolerant and sensitive to their pupils’ backgrounds and have a rapport with the children they teach.
 * Be committed to the educational process.
 * Be flexible and willing to try new procedures and materials.
 * Be able to accept guidance and criticism and be interested in further professional development.
 * Be willing to share their expertise and to co-operate with other members of staff.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Be able to communicate with parents and community members and be considerate of their rights.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Display positive qualities.

<span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: justify;"> __**In the Classroom, Teachers should:**__ <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: justify;">
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Be able to program to meet the needs of the children, school and community.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Create a positive, stable classroom climate where all the children can achieve success.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Set standards of behaviour and discipline and maintain them consistently.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Use a variety of teaching methods and materials.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Utilise resources from the school and community.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Be able to translate Educational Aims and Objectives into classroom teaching.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Organise time efficiently for whole class, small group and individual teaching/learning activities.
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: justify;">Incorporate evaluation as an integral part of the teaching process; and
 * <span style="color: #000080; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: justify;"> Be conscious of their influence on children as ‘role models’.