Tamil school PTAs object to combined classes

THE parent-teacher associations (PTA) of several Tamil schools are objecting to plans to reintroduce combined classes in schools with low student numbers, Malaysia Nanban reported.

P. Ramachandran, former PTA head of SJK(T) Tan Sri Dato’ Manickavasagam in Tanjung Malim, Perak, said reports state that several schools will see Years Two and Three, as well as Four and Five, combined while Years One and Six remain separate.

This move will spell the end of Tamil schools, several PTA heads in Batang Kali and Kalumpang said.

Combining classes in such a manner will see teachers struggle to cope with students who have differing learning levels and needs in the same lessons, they said.

Students from both grades will also suffer as they will receive less attention and time from the teachers, it was claimed.

Tamil school teachers in small schools may also be transferred, leaving the remainder facing twice the workload, said the PTAs.

They also said the combined class concept, a common practice 30 years ago, was abandoned because it proved ineffective.

> A man in Tamil Nadu, India, sold off his relative’s land along with his own by claiming to own both lots, Tamil Nesan reported.

Koothan, a farmer in Salem city, reportedly collected payment for both lots after convincing the buyer he was the rightful owner.

When the actual owner, who lives on the land with his family, tried to explain the situation, the buyer sent men to forcibly evict them.

The family was allegedly beaten up and their possessions thrown out by the attackers.

The victims have lodged a police report, while the man who sold their land has gone into hiding.