Geochang High School is a private school founded in 1953. The school was established to overcome the problems of public education and to carry out humanist education. Geochang High School is mentioned frequently for its outstanding grades among high schools in Korea. This interview was conducted with the principal of Geochang High School, Park Chi-yong, about their way of teaching.


1. Is there any method your school tries to keep high academic grades?


Geochang High School is an academic high school, so teachers try hard to maintain high academic grades. The effort of teachers plays an important role in students’ academic grades, so this year, teachers made an English and math question during night study hall. Two teachers for each subject come to school and students who have questions about their studies ask questions.


2. The school was established to carry out humanist education and self-regulating education. Can you tell us how these are carried out in your school?


Geochang High School tries to teach self-regulating education, in other words, whole-person education. This is usually done through various seasonal school events. In April, we throw a spring art festival to ease the tension. One of the features is that the student council and each class prepare the events on their own, which makes the events much more fun than teachers providing everything for them. Students plan and hold the events from start to end. Through these events, they learn to cooperate and to deal with situations that they might not have expected.


3. The 10 commandments of a Job are the best-known thing about Geochang High School. Can you explain what these are and why they are so famous?


The 10 commandments of a Job are the main idea that is taught to students from the very beginning of school. The founder of the school, Jeon Yeong-chang, wanted students to learn about pioneer spirit, sacrifice, courage, and belief. The 10 commandments of a Job tell people to live in altruistic ways. It can be a standard of decision making. I have met some graduates who really chose to live with these commandments that they learned in their high school life.


4. Lastly, is there anything that you want to say to university students?


The society that we are living in right now is an information-oriented society. The trend of information-oriented society is expected to change. Students who get first or second place in their school work are not always the ones who will succeed in the future. Students should look at various employment options and then choose a field that they are interested in.