Teacher axed for not 'adjusting' marks
2013-03-20 09:08
Upington - A Northern Cape teacher was fired after she
allegedly refused to “adjust” the marks of the principal’s son so that he could
pass a subject.
When Arlene Nel refused, she was fired from her job as
mathematics and science teacher at Kakamas High School, reported Beeld.
Nel, who was heavily pregnant at the time, was informed in
January via SMS by the principal, Karel Afrikaner, that her services were no
longer needed.
The governing body knew nothing about this.
'Treated unfairly'
“I was treated unfairly and everyone at school knows what
happened. I have a newborn baby without any income,” said Nel, who is a member
of union Solidarity.
A union spokesperson said the matter would be referred for
arbitration after no agreement could be reached. The case will resume on 24
April.
The principal allegedly asked Nel to adjust his Grade 11’s
son’s marks for life sciences so that he could pass. He also wanted her to give
the boy the opportunity to repeat all his tasks for the year.
The boy had achieved only 28% in the exam for the subject
and need to get 100% to pass. In addition, he also failed maths and physical
sciences with marks of 14% and 24% respectively.
Nel said teachers couldn’t adjust marks willy-nilly as it
was dishonest and disadvantaged learners.
Neither the principal nor the education department commented
on the matter.
