Menu
19/04/2013
Gove Calls For Longer Days And Shorter Holidays For Schools
Schools days should be longer and holidays shorter, Michael Gove has said.
The education secretary claims this would improve performance and make life easier for working parents.
The reforms proposed would allow state schools to choose to stay open until 4.30pm and introduce a shorter, four-week summer holiday for pupils.
Saying that the school system had been designed for a 19th-century agricultural economy, Gove said British children were at risk of trailing those in Asia.
"It may be the case that there are one or two legislative and bureaucratic obstacles which prevent all schools moving in this direction, but I think it's consistent with the pressures of a modern society. I also think it's going to be family friendly," he said.
Critics however say that Gove was "making policy up on the hoof," without regard for the evidence.
Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Teachers and pupils already spend longer hours in the classroom than most countries and also have some of the shortest summer holidays.
"Independent schools in England and Wales, which often break for two weeks more during the summer and have longer holidays at other times of the year than their state counterparts, do not apparently feel the need to change and are apparently not suffering from their reduced hours."
(H/CD)
The education secretary claims this would improve performance and make life easier for working parents.
The reforms proposed would allow state schools to choose to stay open until 4.30pm and introduce a shorter, four-week summer holiday for pupils.
Saying that the school system had been designed for a 19th-century agricultural economy, Gove said British children were at risk of trailing those in Asia.
"It may be the case that there are one or two legislative and bureaucratic obstacles which prevent all schools moving in this direction, but I think it's consistent with the pressures of a modern society. I also think it's going to be family friendly," he said.
Critics however say that Gove was "making policy up on the hoof," without regard for the evidence.
Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "Teachers and pupils already spend longer hours in the classroom than most countries and also have some of the shortest summer holidays.
"Independent schools in England and Wales, which often break for two weeks more during the summer and have longer holidays at other times of the year than their state counterparts, do not apparently feel the need to change and are apparently not suffering from their reduced hours."
(H/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
02 September 2013
Five Boys Arrested Over School Arson
Five boys aged between 11 and 15 have been arrested in connection with an arson attack at a school in Lancashire, which is reported to have caused "devastating damage". The alarm was raised at around 4pm on Sunday and some 125 fire fighters were needed to fire the blaze at St Mary's Catholic Technology College in Leyland.
Five Boys Arrested Over School Arson
Five boys aged between 11 and 15 have been arrested in connection with an arson attack at a school in Lancashire, which is reported to have caused "devastating damage". The alarm was raised at around 4pm on Sunday and some 125 fire fighters were needed to fire the blaze at St Mary's Catholic Technology College in Leyland.
18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
08 September 2004
Schools to offer extended childcare facilities
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has today outlined plans for schools to offer 'wrap-around' childcare available from 8am to 6pm. The 'wrap-around' care would be available for 48 weeks of the year and be paid for by tax credits.
Schools to offer extended childcare facilities
Education Secretary Charles Clarke has today outlined plans for schools to offer 'wrap-around' childcare available from 8am to 6pm. The 'wrap-around' care would be available for 48 weeks of the year and be paid for by tax credits.
30 June 2015
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
