School return Aug to current year group

It looks unlikely that schools will return before summer holidays. If they return in
August children should go back to their current class and teacher and year group until September weekend (or longer). This would especially apply to those in p7 and nursery who could return there and spend time preparing properly for transition. Children will need time to re-adjust to school life after such a long break and having to move to a new class / school could be very unsettling for some, especially those transitioning to secondary. That 6-week block up to September would also let them enjoy those important last stages of primary together with their classmates, and end their primary school days in a positive way. It seems unnecessary to move them immediately after the summer break.

Why the contribution is important

To assist p7 and nursery pupils with transition and re-adjusting to school life. To give them time to enjoy final stages of nursery / primary and the things they have missed out on because these have ended so abruptly - perhaps leavers’ assemblies, discos, trips if rules allow for these. Also, for other children, to return to stability of same teacher / classmates when they first go back.

by Katie on May 05, 2020 at 04:01PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.0
Based on: 4 votes

Comments

  • Posted by TStrachan May 06, 2020 at 13:03

    This does make sense, I think its a good idea. I think we should start school summer break now then in 7 weeks time return to the current year for even just a couple of weeks before moving up.

  • Posted by gettingbacktonormalish May 07, 2020 at 11:08

    I have two children at key points in schooling - one transition from P7 to S1 and the other transitioning from S3 to S4. This would be particularly welcomed for my P7 child as I don't think the transition to high school will work well in the current circumstances.

    The high schools have already started to transition kids into the next year (which they usually do around June). This was primarily to ensure kids moving from S4 to S5 and S5 to S6 were engaging with school since there is no exam diet this year. It also buys some time for kids to get up to speed with the new school year curriculum which is under pressure due to home schooling.
    However, schools need to get better at distance learning if kids aren't going to be at school for the foreseeable. It's impossible for children to engage and learn new level learning without some form of "virtual interaction" with teachers. Some schools/teachers do video classes, others don't (and unions are advising it's not to be mandatory). Live virtual classes would be preferable, particularly for older children.

  • Posted by Mumk May 11, 2020 at 18:01

    A huge amount of work goes into moving kids onto the next year groups ... I don’t see it as something schools can do in a weekend ...
    Classes need reconfigured in most schools , classrooms moved around , resources moved , new planning folders for teachers set up , transition of learning logs etc

  • Posted by juchalmers May 11, 2020 at 19:10

    I totally agree with this. Going back to school is going to be a strange enough experience for children as it is, but if they were to be returning to a familiar classroom with familiar adults, this would help make them feel more safe and secure. It would allow time for transition activities that would normally take place during the summer term to take place. Pushing children on to the next class/year, along with all the social distancing measures, is likely to affect their mental health and wellbeing, which is far more important right now.
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