Longer school day, shorter holidays, aibu?

[Damselion]

To think Michael Gove should fuck off? I spend less time with my DC than their teacher's do as it is...

[manicinsomniac]

I work in a private school and our school day is 8.30-5.00 for Juniors/Seniors and 9.00-3.30 for infants. We also have Saturday school for Juniors/Seniors and optional activities/care up to 6.00 for infants. Juniors and Seniors can stay till all hours as we are also a boarding school.

BUT - we have longer holidays.

The children couldn't cope with the extended week combined with the shorter holidays, they need one or the other.

[BoneyBackJefferson]

Manic

what breaks do you have during the day?
and
How long are your lessons?

[Hulababy]

Yes - some independents may have longer hours but in no way is it all, not even sure it is even most. My experience of using independent sector is that they are, throughout the whole year, in school for about the same time than state schools.

But my point is that - regardless of this - independents generally do better. So if it isn't the time spent in school what is it?

i suspect smaller class sizes is one of the biggest things - both as a parent and as an ex teacher, plus now too as a HLTA.

So put the money in there.
Pay for more teaching staff and reduce class sizes. Give each child more 1:1 time with their teachers and TAs.

[ophelia275]

I actually don't have a problem with this at all.

[Willsmum79]

My 'new' school day courtesy of Fuckwit Gove!

4:45am Rise and shine. Not only do I get myself ready, but I get my toddler ready too.

5:45am Drop off toddler at childminders. Someone else whose working day will be longer!

6:45am Arrive at work after a 60 minute drive.

7:30am School begins. (I can REALLY see 4 year olds happily skipping to school at 7:15am!)

5:30pm School ends. I have an endless task of planning, resourcing, assessing and marking work as well as meetings, displays and organisational duties to do. I suppose tea will be at work too!

7:30pm Set off for home.

8:30pm Arrive home. Husband has picked up toddler from childminders. DH has been home for four hours and toddler iin bed for 90 minutes. I then have a cuppa, quick chat with DH and continue the work I couldn't finish at school.

11:30pm Am predicting this will be my new bedtime.

I AM A PARENT TOO!

[Salmotrutta]

Yes, I see what you mean Boney - I still think Finland is doing well by their pupils though but it may be due to a combination of so many factors?

Languages, less "testing", more freedom for teachers. This is partly what Curriculum for Excellence is trying to achieve in Scotland.

Except they haven't given us the time, money or resources to deliver it properly

[cornyponydash]

from september next year

bollocks to that

give us a chance to resign first Gove - you utter wanker

[BoneyBackJefferson]

corny

I don't think that resigning will be an issue.

Paying the extended long term cover for all of the burnt out teachers on medical leave will be the issue.

[SlowlorisIncognito]

I think he hasn't really worked out how much this would cost. It's not just teachers who would be paid more, it would be TAs, secretaries, Lunch time supervisors, supply teachers and other staff being paid more, as most of these staff are paid hourly/daily. More resources would be used by students, and there would probably be more wear and tear on the school buildings and facilities too. School transport would cost more and be at peak times. There would be more useage of electricity and water.

It would also impact on the businesses of childcare providers- these people must contribute to the economy too.

Obviously children are the most important thing, but given Gove is talking about economic benefits, he should also consider the economic losses.

[Salmotrutta]

There's no doubt smaller class sizes have a big impact on attainment.

Far more chance to spend one-to-one time and private schools also have fewer "behavioural" problems. Less time spent on sorting out disruptive pupils!

[Salmotrutta]

Oops! Thread has moved on - again!!

[nancy75]

Terrible idea, I would home school if this happened. I actually like spending time with my child and wish some of the holidays were longer.

[cornydash]

Teachers won't get paid more as they won't have to be qualified.

[BoneyBackJefferson]

Just FYI.

gove wants to do away with the TAs.

[Hulababy]

That's true.
Well if my TA job goes and this came through - don't think I'd bother returning as a teacher that's for sure.
Mind you - half of the teachers they decide to employ will probably be of the unqualified variety anyway based on past comments from his like.

[Salmotrutta]

Actually, I don't know who's worse - your Gove or our Russell

[Itchyandscratchy]

Whilst you're at it you could link to the thread here to read how Gove has persistently misled parents & then sign the petition to ask him to stop treating out children as political footballs.

And then bump it.
And then get as many other parents to sign it too.

[BoneyBackJefferson]

Oh and no Admin help as he is removing that clause from the terms of service as well. So some of the office staff will go as well.

[manicinsomniac]

Boney

Infants have breaks 11-11.30, 12.30-1.30 and 3.00-3.10

Younger Juniors have breaks 11-11.30, 12.10-12.30 (lunch), 1.10-1.50 and 3.30-3.45.

Older Juniors and Seniors have breaks 11-11.30, 12.50-1.50 and 3.20-3.30

Our lessons are 40 minutes long. There are 9 of them a day (but 2 per day are sport)

[BoneyBackJefferson]

Sorry manic

Just interested in your day :)

When you say sport is that as in teaching PE, or a choice of a sport that is supervised?

Is Technology also a double?

[manicinsomniac]

no problem!

I mean teaching PE. And yes, technology is always a double as is art. Science, Maths and English usually have at least one double a week.

[musicposy]

Why don't we just put our children in an institution at birth and see them again at 18? Then we could all work full time in the non existent jobs and have no childcare worries. All children would be brought up exactly the same and all problems eradicated.

Thank goodness I home educate. I actually like seeing my children once in a while, thank you Mr Gove :)

[BoneyBackJefferson]

Thanks manic

Seems like a good timetable to work to.

[cornydash]

you know I think this suggestion about the longer day could be a smokescreen and his main aim is the dismantling of teacher's pay and conditions (which would mean the longer day would eventually be brought in anyway).