Something About Rules

I think it's safe to say that rules to be followed in Western High Schools are seen as understandable by most people. You can't bring a gun to school. You can't swear at your teacher. You can't cheat on a test. Beaking these rules results in punishment by the school officials. Rules in Korean schools differ greatly from those in Western countries. One of my students was upset tonight because she was yelled at by her teacher in front of friends. Her offence? Her school bag was "too square." A rule at the local High Schools stipulates that school bags need to be in the shape of a trapezoid. Square school bags are banned. Not one of my students knew why the rule existed. Some other strange rules:

-Even though classes start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. students are required to be in the school from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

-The length required of your hair depends on the school you go to. The private High School requires shorter hair for students than the public High School

-Middle School and High School students are required to spend the first 2 weeks of Summer and Winter Vacation studying at school. Each vacation time lasts a period of one month.

While my students admit that these rules are strange they are taught never to question authority. You do it because your told to, no questions asked.