Debate on the school plan in Murcia « Euro Weekly News

IN the Murcia region, the debate over school time is heating up after the Madrid government decided to introduce separate timetables in new public schools. Parents here who have predominantly opted for the continuous timetable (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) in the past are now asking themselves whether this model really benefits their children.

Parents express concerns about rolling schedules

Marisa Maldonado, president of the Federation of Parent Associations, believes the continuous schedule doesn’t work well for children. She argues that split hours (9am-12.30pm/3pm-5pm) allow for better breaks and meals, which can improve students’ overall health and learning.

Current school models in Murcia: A closer look

Currently, almost all public schools in Murcia use the continuous model, with only one school keeping divided lessons. Many parents fear that sticking to uninterrupted hours could lead to problems such as longer school days without adequate breaks and affect their children’s well-being.

What’s next for school hours in the region?

While the Ministry of Education does not see much demand for a return to split hours, parents in Murcia are eager to find a solution that supports both academic success and healthy routines for their children. The outcome of this debate could reshape the educational landscape in the region.

Comparing Timetables: Continuous vs. Split

Continuous schedule (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

Advantages:

1. simplicity: A single class block can be easier for parents and students to manage and reduce the complexity of daily routines.
2. Less transition time: Fewer breaks mean less time lost between classes, allowing for more instruction time and potentially a more efficient learning experience.
3. Early dismissal: Students finish earlier in the day, freeing up time for extracurricular activities, homework, and family time.
4. Consistent routine: A set schedule can provide stability and help children settle into a set routine without being disrupted by lunchtime transitions.

Disadvantages:

1. Longer periods of time: Longer school days without breaks can lead to fatigue and affect students’ concentration and engagement in the later part of the day.
2. Limited breaks: Without adequate breaks, children may miss out on opportunities to relax and socialize, potentially negatively impacting their overall well-being.
3. Nutritional concerns: A continuous schedule can result in inadequate meal times, impacting students’ nutrition and energy levels throughout the day.

Split schedule (9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Advantages:

1. Frequent breaks: Split schedules allow for longer breaks, which can improve student concentration and reduce fatigue.
2. Better meal times: Longer lunch breaks can encourage healthier eating habits and provide students time to eat, relax, and socialize.
3. Improved well-being: Breaks can contribute to better mental health and help students recharge and stay motivated for afternoon classes.
4. adaptability: Split schedules can better accommodate extracurricular activities and provide students with more opportunities to get involved after school.

Disadvantages:

1. complexity: A split schedule can complicate logistics for parents, especially if they have multiple children or need to coordinate their work schedules.
2. Learning interruptions: Longer breaks can cause interruptions in the flow of learning and may hinder retention of material learned in the morning class.
3. Potential for extended days: Depending on the schedule, students may be in school for longer hours overall, which may lead to additional fatigue.

Diploma

As the debate continues, it is critical for parents, educators and policymakers in Murcia to carefully weigh these pros and cons to determine the best approach to promote both academic success and student well-being.

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