The essence of a school

Tshwarelo Hosia | Wednesday March 11, 2026 08:24

Let us begin with tangible things that define a school. A structured environment comprising buildings, classrooms, and students interacting with qualified teachers in the presence of content. Lack of a structured and systematic environment makes a school 'not a school'. Beyond tangibles, there are hidden, intangible and perhaps unwritten features that define the worth and purpose of a school. Essentially, a school is typically defined by its purpose: a place for learning and education.

A school does not exist in a vacuum. It is a response and answer to societal expectations and a panacea to social ills. A school should never be a breeding ground for societal ills. Anything short of the fulfilment of expectations of society could be a source of frustration and disappointment. A school should never turn off investors and patrons ( parents). The very essence of a school is its purpose and function.

Buildings and other tangibles may be creatures of deception which do not necessarily reveal and reflect the true identity of a school. Sometimes, good education can be dispensed against all odds, where buildings are not so friendly. However, good instruction practices in an awkward environment should not be used as an excuse to delay the rehabilitation of buildings. Funds permitting, all schools deserve good infrastructure. The purpose and function of a school are what truly define it, not just the physical structure. A school is all about the quality of education, teaching practices, and the impact on students' lives. Good instructional practices, like engaging lessons, supportive teachers, and a focus on student growth, are what make a school effective and meaningful. The importance of the intangible aspects of education cannot be overemphasised. Schools should be champions of impactful teaching, aiming at achieving behavioural change and making each day count. No day in school should be a wasteful adventure.

Each day a child spends in a school should matter. Parents release their previous little diamonds (children) to attend school for growth and behavioural change. To get value for money, parents should cultivate the habit of asking about their children's daily stay in school. To ask how well their children spent their day in school shows love, care and support. This is checking the impact and gauging the pulse of learning on a daily basis. In appreciation of impactful teaching, parents should appreciate and celebrate any growth noticed, no matter how small. Paying attention to little things and recognising small victories can make a profound difference while boosting morale and motivation.

Getting deeper into the subject of intangibles, schools should be conscious of the power that the right mindset wields. One of the intangibles necessary for the smooth running of a school is love. Love is a kind, abiding and enduring force. Children are born of love. They generally come from caring and loving environments. And schools should offer continuity. A school should not present shock and awe but safety and care. School branding is critical. A school should brand itself well, making its case and quest for education compelling. Building on the foundation laid at home, schools too should encourage a culture of appreciation and celebration of small gains. Promoting happiness sets the right environment for learning. Love should be written, seen and felt all over a school. The foundation of a school is love. Love builds enduring and everlasting relationships. It builds indelible memories.

Schools should indeed be a place where love and care are palpable, making kids feel safe and valued. When love is the foundation, learning becomes a joyful journey.

When teachers show genuine care and love, it can be a game-changer for a child's confidence and happiness. Students should be proud of their individuality and uniqueness. No two students are the same. Group rights are as important as individual rights. Each child in schools deserves individual attention. Teachers should never assume anything. Knowing and calling each student by name is a sign of building a strong and intimate bond. Treating each student as a unique individual is key, and learning names and showing genuine interest in their lives can break barriers and build trust . Randomly checking in on a child's day or home life can be a powerful way to show you care and could be the starting point of something bigger. It's all about creating a safe space for them to open up. Presently, high student-teacher ratios can definitely make it harder to give individual attention, but indifference or an unconcerned attitude can be just as big a barrier. When teachers are overwhelmed or disconnected, it can impact the whole classroom vibe. There is a need to create a balance between curriculum instruction and building healthy student - teacher relationships. Both should be treated as equals and not rival competitors. Treating academics and relationships as equals is a great mindset shift.