William Barcroft Middle School and Woodlands Academy of Excellence have proposed ambitious and innovative alternations to their school calendar. These changes are designed to significantly enhance the learning environment for students. The trust was able to gather over 500 responses from parents and community members addressing the proposed changes. This is an amazing display of the overwhelming public interest.
Among the proposed changes are three options for a new school calendar. The first option suggests moving the school start time forward by 15 minutes to 08:30. This small change hopefully brings the start of day much closer to the start of day for students and staff on both sides. The second alternative reduces the lunch break from 1 hour to 45 minutes. These new changes allow students to complete their school day much earlier.
The most comprehensive change is outlined in the third option, which proposes that school end on Fridays at either 12:45 or 13:00. This adjustment would allow for after-school activities for some children until 15:00, providing additional opportunities for engagement and learning. The trust says it expects this option to provide teachers with more time for planning and preparation. This will go a long way in easing their burden and protecting their mental health.
William Barcroft, head, is sure the school can welcome as many as 180 pupils. This new capacity will be freed up for use, including for extracurricular activities on Friday afternoons. The trust is excited to help offer a diverse range of assistance and events. Students will have access to these both in school and out of school during these hours. This new initiative made possible by ARP funding seeks to do more than offer enrichment opportunities. It seeks to get kids moving faster along the learning continuum.
Woodlands Academy and William Barcroft are committed to delivering a fully qualified teacher for every lesson. Most importantly, they focus on providing a high-quality education to every single student. This commitment emphasizes the plan’s importance to the school’s commitment to providing a rigorous, high-quality education, no matter how much change is introduced.
The principals of each institution will be opening communication to parents in the very near future. Stay tuned for more information about those proposed changes and the anticipated timeline for their introduction. This clear and proactive communication should serve to inform families and involve them early and often in the ongoing decision-making process.
