Alignment of secondary school timetables

No change in school session 2012/13.

Our Education Executive has agreed to maintain the current timetable arrangements in secondary schools for the school session 2012/13.

Since March 2011, secondary school headteachers and senior officials from the Education and Lifelong Learning department have been considering the business case for a 33-period week to harmonise the school day across all secondary schools with the aim of meeting the need for flexibility required by Curriculum for Excellence.

It was originally proposed that all aspects and details of the proposals would be explored and recommendations made by December 2011.  However, some challenges identified during this process led to the recommendation that the school session for 2012/13 remains unchanged to allow more work to be undertaken and consultation take place.

Some of the challenges identified during the review included the potential re-alignment of school transport which would need further exploration in order to ensure it would be affordable and practical  

The roll-out of the upgrading of ICT in schools, which takes place over the next couple of years, will provide a better platform to deliver virtual learning opportunities across schools. Having this in place in advance of any changes would be advantageous.

The Berwickshire High School in Duns has been piloting the 33 period week since the beginning of the 2011/12 school session. The school will be evaluating the experience by the end of this academic session with pupils, staff and parents. They will continue to pilot the 33 period week for 2012-13 session. They are not able to experience the 'alignment' benefit, however, as there are no other schools operating with this structure to align with.

A further report for consideration by the Education Executive Committee, which will detail any recommended changes including a proposed implementation date, will be presented at a later date.