High school in Victoria is set to look different in 2024, however students and teachers have been told not to hold onto hopes of a four-day school week.
The shakeup will see earlier finishes, more self-directed learning time and consolidation days come into effect from the new year.
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Some schools have already implemented varying period lengths – either to accommodate for the subjects being taught or to combat staff shortages.
Schools have also begun an early finish either one day a week or fortnight to allow for more independent study time, or focus on extra-curricular activities.
What isn’t on the cards any time soon, however, are four-day school weeks.
“The Department of Education is not considering a four-day school week,” a department spokesperson said.
The confirmation comes after Queensland announced on Thursday it would introduce a “flexible learning” policy from 2024.
Public primary and secondary schools may allow children to study from home one day per week, begin the school day earlier or finish later, or compress school hours over shorter days.
Any changes made must be done with consultation with the school’s community before committing to the trial.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the expectation would be for schools to continue operations over five days, but in circumstances four-day weeks were possible particularly for regional and remote areas.
“It’s an upgrade to the policy. It is definitely not a green light for a four-day week,” Ms Grace said to media
“In fact, schools are expected to operate over the five days per week.”