Schools Project School Observation
School Name: Southlands Girls School
School Location: Galle, Sri Lanka
School Enrollment: 5000 girls, grades 1-13, Primary and Secondary
Name of Principal/Headmaster: Shanthi Scnevirathne
I was able to very briefly sit with the Principal of the prestigious Southlands Girls College in Galle, Sri Lanka for a short question and answer period. This is the summer holiday in Sri Lanka, and the school was busy administering its university entrance exams to the students on this hot morning in Galle. I had previously been pointed towards Southlands by several former students to whom I had spoken earlier. I was able to get a small taste of the successes and challenges faced by the school.
What are the main challenges being faced by the school?
Mrs. Scnevirathne stated, “We have limited facilities for the students –because of Galle Fort being a historical area, it is very difficult to build new buildings and the premises are too small to meet our student body’s needs.”
What has been the biggest success for the school?
According to the Principal, a lot of her students are moving onto the University level, in such areas as medicine, engineering, arts and in commerce.
What critical resources are missing? How would they be used?
Mrs. Scnevirathne stated, “The teachers here are all trained from the national education institutes, which handle all the teacher training. Thus, our staff development is excellent. However, we have a very small IT section, but no facilities. There are 20 computers, but we need more. The computers are not connected to the internet. There is a big library, but we really want an e-library, but there is not the facilities.” Thus, as I have seen in so many other schools around the world, the biggest resource need is in information technology/computers/internet connectivity, a very common thread throughout the world and in my own experience. Even in classrooms where there are plentiful technological resources, they are often poorly managed and accounted for, as in the NYC school system.
What resources are being best used now? Why?
According to the Principal, the best resource that the school currently has is, “Good knowledge and the core curriculum activities such as science, math, and English.” She continued, “ the students are very motivated to learn, and most of the teachers are motivated.”
Where were the teachers trained? What guidance do they have in the classroom?
The teachers have all trained at the national college level for education. The guidance in the classrooms follows the Ministry of Education guidelines in terms of teaching approaches and practices. I could not achieve more elaboration in this area due to the time constraints present.
What is the main goal of the school?
The Principal stated that the main goal of the school is for a good education for the future of the girls, and for the girls to attend university.
What inspires them? Why?
Mrs. Scnevirathne was a teacher before becoming an administrator, as well as being the Director of Education for the Galle District. She wants to help her country and help the students, and to give them opportunity to advance themselves in this country. Education is critical to this advancement.
Where does the school’s funding come from?
The Ministry of Education pays for everything relating to the running of the school. Some parents help as well. However, according to the Principal, there are always problems with running short of money for the school, and it is a constant challenge to cover the expenses of the school. The building is 125 years old and is in need of restorations which cannot be currently undertaken due to financial restrictions.
Partnerships with outside organizations-who/what/where/why?
Currently, there are no partnerships with foreign organizations for the school. The schools is completely independent.
Programs for at-risk students?
Currently, there is after school tutoring for the weak students. The teachers stay after school to help these children. This service is free of charge for the students.
