10:30 am school day start for teens?

[Syrupent]

Heard an interview with a head teacher (R4, the Learning Curve) who has introduced school days of 10:30 -5:50pm to suit the sleeping patterns of teenagers, whilst earlier years maintain the traditional day. Apparently they are now getting better results. The only mentioned downside was that many parents rely on the older teen to babysit a younger sibling until the parents get home from work. Head was dismissive of this problem IMO. What do other people think of this idea? I.?m not to sure myself, it would give less time for relaxation/Homework and would put paid to DS1s sporting activities in my case. Also they would be walking home in the dark all winter

[ecoworrier]

No, I wouldn't like it. I have two teenagers and they actually prefer earlier starts. Even in holidays they get up (their choice) between 7.30-8.30. I can't see many teenagers getting up and doing their homework before school, so finishing at 5.50 (which I think is really late!) doesn't give much time for eating, relaxing, doing homework, after-school clubs and other activities etc.

I actually think 5.50 to finish is late for an adult let alone a child/teenager! It would be no fun coming home in the dark all winter, very depressing. When would any extra-curricular activities take place? I can't see many teachers wanting to stay after 6pm to run sports or other clubs.

My teenagers have said they would actually prefer an even earlier start - they currently do 8.30-2, but like the idea some schools operate of 8-2.30. Perhaps they're just not typical teenagers!

[TheFallenMadonna]

Well, I wouldn't like it, but that's because I'm a teacher

[ecoworrier]

That did occur to me too! I can't see many teachers wanting to work that late in actual teaching time, even with the trade-off in starting later.

[MaureenMLove]

That's all very well, but how many parents of teens are going to be at home, to ensure that the little darlings are actually out of bed and off to school for 10.30?

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Only one of my 3 has had trouble getting up in the mornings. And that's because he's a lazy git - the last thing I need is school pandering to him.

I don't think it's a good idea - it'll just encourage them to stay up later than ever at night.

[janeite]

God, as a teacher I'd hate this. I see my children too little as it is; finishing that late would cut into just about all the family time we get - I'd literally have time to get home, cook dinner and then it would be just about bed time.

My daughter is a lark as well, so we hate having to hang around the house in the mornings (alone) waiting to go to school.

[janeite]

Sorry - WOULD hate, not "we hate".

[chocolateshoes]

It would make sports fixtures and other after school clubs very difficult. I suppose staff meetings would take place before school. Not sure its the way forward... & a good poit MMlove!

[Milliways]

Weekend Lie ins for Teens would no longer be a luxury!

I think they would just adjust - go to bed even later and push for a lunchtime start

[branflake81]

bad idea. I was an early bird and even when I was a teenager I used to get up at 5:30am to go running before school. I would have hated to finish at 5.50. 3.50 was late enough.

[southeastastra]

i'd like it if the whole working world started at 10.30