The schools taking part in a trial of longer school days have been announced as the experiment has begun, Welsh Government have announced.
A total of 13 primary and secondary schools, and one college, will take part in the trial of five hours of extra activity per week over a 10-week period.
Around 1,800 learners in schools in Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the Vale of Glamorgan will be involved.
The trial is focused on supporting disadvantaged pupils and schools particularly affected during the pandemic.
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The schools selected are as follows:
Cardiff:
- Eastern High and Cardiff and Vale College (collaboratively)
- Windsor Clive Primary School
Blaenau Gwent
- Abertillery Learning Community (across three sites)
- Ebbw Fawr Learning Community
Neath Port Talbot
- Cefn Saeson Comprehensive
- Melin Primary School
Rhondda Cynon Taf
- Darrenlas Primary School
- Glenboi Primary School
Vale of Glamorgan
- Pencoedtre High School
- Cadoxton Primary School
- Colcot Primary School
- Holton Primary School
- Oakfield Primary School
Minister for education and Welsh language Jeremy Miles said: “The trial is a great opportunity to gather further evidence on how we use and structure time at school and how that might evolve in the future. We will be learning how these additional sessions might improve well-being, academic progression, and increased social and cultural capital.
“As we move forward, we will continue to support schools with even stronger community engagement so that we deliver on our mission to tackle the impact of poverty on educational attainment and achieve high standards for all.”
But Laura Doel, director of head teachers’ union NAHT Cymru, called for more clarity and said: “There may be some educational benefits to reforming the school year and we are open to discussions on what those benefits may be. However we have yet to be provided with any evidence that supports extending the school day.
“All the focus from the government has been on the school day fitting in with family life and working patterns with no mention of the education benefit to learners. All the evidence available suggests that there is little or no data that supports keeping learners in school for longer because longer periods in school does not increase a child’s capacity to learn.
“If the government’s plan is to support working families with a national childcare offer then they should come out and say that. Schools are not childcare providers and our profession of dedicated school leaders, teachers, and support staff should not be expected to take on additional work and responsibility to do this.”
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