Written By Krish Lukha and Charlie Bourne
In a recent survey from Mr Witts, the RGS community was in favour of changing the school timetable. In his email, he said: ‘it would be good to get some of your thoughts on how the school day works’. This included questions suggesting that there are plans for school to start at 8.30 in the future and to finish at the earlier time of 3.30.
The 1509 asked various people about this potential outcome and most responses were in favour of this novel change. Members of the 5th form, including Noah Zhu and Henry Fleming, 5V, seemed pro-change with Harrison Way, 5B, stating he would be “very happy” if this went ahead as there were many benefits to him. However, there was an alternative opinion from Eric in 2nd Form, who said “I’d rather [the day started] later than earlier.”
One person we spoke to said that this would impact their day significantly as they would have to start the day half an hour even earlier due to transport times as well as affecting their evening plans. Another commented saying it would be harder for families with two children if one finished at 3:30 and another at 4:00. Finally, it seems to most that a common middle ground would be if the day started at 8:50 and finished at 3:50 instead, appealing to both sides.
Despite this, most people spoke of positives of this happening, including the fact that there would be more time in afternoons and evenings for various activities and their considerable homework as well as more daylight hours outside of lessons, which becomes especially important in the winter months.
However, how likely is this change? George Christiansen, 5H, said: “I hope it does, [but] nothing ever changes.” Additionally, Noah Meade, 5N, said that he “can see it happening, but it doesn’t seem likely.” This common uncertainty showed that this doesn’t seem extremely likely, but there is a chance. What we know for certain is that this won’t affect the 6th form, but it may affect lower years.
The 1509 