Policy document stresses the need for developing social responsibility in students

Policy document stresses the need for developing social responsibility in students

Inclusion policies and long-term eudcational plans need to address the issue of behaviour in school in order to be effective.

At a press conference about the 'Managing Behaviour in Schools' policy document, education minister Evarist Bartolo said that behaviour in the classroom is essential to the educational experience.

"We cannot implement ten-year plans and policies of inclusion, without looking at behaviour," he said, explaining that education is not just limited to exam results, but it is also related to learning to do, be and live with others.

Bartolo said that this plan was not set in stone and that each school had unique issues to face.

"We are facing a situation where we do not just talk about childrens rights but also their responsibility."

This view, according to Bartolo, would lead to better prospects for the future. Bartolo said every school would publish guidelines according to their needs.

"We have a huge responsibility to make the educational experience as interesting and stimulating as possible," he said, adding that many do not behave well because of the way they are taught.

He explained however, that schools cannot address issues of behaviour on its own, but that it requiress families and society to help as well.

Addressing bullying, Bartolo explained that anti-bullying initiatives had been very effective.