It is 7.30 p.m. on Saturday evening and 17 boys are poring over their books in groups at the Government High School in Hassan taluk’s Attavara.
Their subject teacher, H.P. Asha, has spent the day tutoring them. The students are to appear for their exam on Monday.
The exercises are a part of the special classes being conducted here over the past fortnight for students appearing for the SSLC examination. Students from eight villages in the area attend the school.
Teachers ask the boys to stay till 10.30 p.m. while the girls leave at 5.30 p.m., even on holidays, in an effort to make sure all 43 students under their charge pass with first class grades. Students reach the school by 7.30 a.m. Some cycle to school, others are accompanied by their parents on their way back home. Lunch and dinner are served at the school with the help of mid-day meal workers.
In 2018, 27 of the 29 students fetched a first class, and there was cent per cent pass. “We have set our target higher this time. We want to prove that students of government schools are in no way inferior to those in private schools,” said K.P. Narayan, headmaster.
“Here, teachers supervise us and our doubts are resolved. Our parents are also happy. They are sure that we are not wasting our time,” said M.M. Shankar, a student from Mudigere. Abhishek B.R. of Bittahalli said group studies helped him understand his subjects better. “We can’t do that at home. We are lucky to have our teachers taking extra care of us,” he said.
Teachers have built a rapport with the students and their parents, and pay surprise visits to their homes. Mr. Narayan explained: “We have discussions on studies with the parents, too. Our efforts are encouraged after we earn their trust.”