opinions on single session schools

In single session schools, school starts as usual in the morning, that is either 7.30am or 7.45am. Formal classes will end usually by 2.30pm.  Students then attend co-curricular activities, sports and extra classes until about 4pm. Single-session systems are already popular in cluster and private schools in the country.

Schools that have converted to a single-session structure have found it a better environment to teach and develop students. Afternoon are just a bad time to study as the weather is too hot.  Some have extended the teaching period to 45minutes instead of 30 minutes. Hence, more time and attention can be given to the specific topic or chapter being taught. There is more quality teacher-student interactions and the use of more engaging pedagogies such as group work and presentations exercises. In some schools, the break between lessons has also been lengthened, a move valued by both students and teachers.

Where more curriculum time is needed for both formal and informal programs, single session gives the school the flexibility to lengthen their school day slightly, or have extended school days once or twice a week to have additional co-curriculum activities. Hence, there is more common time for professional development and sharing among teachers and students. With all students in school at the same time, it is also easier to organise sports and team building activities

From the parents point of view, especially families with more than one child, parents find it easier to send and pick them at the same time. Furthermore, students can go home earlier, relax and enjoy more family time together.

On the other side of the coin, single session schools should guard against becoming full day schools with a heavier workload for students. The core aim of single session is to allow for more time and space to develop the child more fully. However, the school too has to be able to cater for a larger intake of students – students from two sessions now come together under a single session. The school also needs more facilities for effective programs under their co-curriculum activities. A single-session system may also cause greater traffic congestion in the mornings and late afternoons, especially in urban areas.

In conclusion, there is great merit in a single session school. To make it a success, all parties involved, from the school to home , must work together to ensure the student reaps the benefits of being in a single session school.