Mangaluru School's Extended Hours Initiative Creates Academic Excellence
In the coastal city of Mangaluru, Karnataka, the traditional school bell at Government High School in Baikampady, Meenakaliya no longer signals the conclusion of the academic day. For an impressive second consecutive year, dedicated educators have voluntarily prolonged their working schedules, conducting specialized night classes that continue until 9:00 PM. This innovative program is specifically designed to prepare students comprehensively for the crucial SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examinations, addressing unique socioeconomic challenges faced by the school community.
Addressing Socioeconomic Barriers to Learning
The majority of students enrolled at this institution hail from families dependent on daily wage labor, where home environments are often unsuitable for concentrated study. Many households lack adequate space or a tranquil atmosphere conducive to academic pursuits. Parents frequently depart for work as early as 4:00 AM, returning only by 9:00 PM or later, leaving children without supervision. Additionally, some families reside in modest sheds or huts with limited facilities, further complicating after-school study routines.
Headmaster N D Ajjaiah explained that a thorough survey conducted by the teaching staff uncovered these significant obstacles. "Parents themselves informed us that their children study exclusively at school and resist studying at home," Ajjaiah noted. This revelation motivated the school administration to transform the campus into a secure and supportive learning sanctuary, allowing students to remain on premises until late evening with proper security measures implemented.
Structured Academic Support and Holistic Development
The school, which currently educates 171 students including 45 in Class 10 and 11 in the English-medium section, has established a rigorous yet balanced daily schedule. Following the second preparatory examination last year and a detailed analysis of academic hurdles, teachers, School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, parents, and the Mogaveera Mahasabha collectively decided to extend study hours within the school facility.
The daily routine commences early with special classes starting at 8:30 AM, focusing on one subject per day. After regular instructional periods, teachers remain from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM to review the day's lessons. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, students engage in supervised study sessions, maintaining a focused educational environment. Weekend and holiday schedules extend from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM, incorporating academics, sports activities, and sufficient rest periods to ensure holistic development.
Remarkable Academic Achievements and Community Collaboration
With full consent from both parents and students, boys and girls alike participate in these evening sessions, with parents personally collecting their children from school. This community-driven approach has yielded extraordinary results. The impact of this educational experiment became strikingly evident last year when the school achieved a 100 percent SSLC pass rate for the first time in its 61-year history.
Furthermore, student Vinod Chandappa scored an exceptional 612 marks, emerging as the district topper among government school students in the English-medium category. Encouraged by this unprecedented success, the school has continued the initiative this academic year, demonstrating how extended learning hours and dedicated teacher involvement can dramatically enhance educational outcomes for students from challenging backgrounds.
