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>> KGV School decisions on the Curriculum and School Day
The Leadership team met on November 5th to finalise decisions about these two important issues. We took into account the range of views expressed on the various Forums. This method of consultation has been fascinating and it has been a real insight into the views of different groups. We would like to thank all those students, parents and staff who contributed, or who attended the various meetings to express opinions. The quality of the input has made the final decisions relatively straightforward as we believe there is a consensus around the proposals we now make. In seeking a consensus we have produced a rather conservative set of proposals which we think readjust the direction we are taking rather than revolutionise it. We therefore expect the proposals to be widely supported.
By rejecting some of the more ambitious ideas we must not forget the underlying problems that led us to propose the ideas in the first place. KGV is a frenetic place which makes massive demands on the whole community. These expectations are a strength but we also worry about their sustainability. More is not necessarily better ! The Leadership Team feels strongly that we should continue to explore ways to reduce staff workload because staff teach better when they have a little more space to think, plan and prepare; KGV staff work longer hours than any others in ESF ! Staff training will continue and much will take place during the normal school day and therefore impact on lessons; how can we now minimize this negative impact ? The Leadership Team also feels strongly that our students would benefit from more flexible time in which they can make their own decisions and choices. This is a key skill for success in the IB Diploma and we also have a responsibility to prepare our students for adulthood so they should have an increasing amount of independence and autonomy. Although we will not pursue the current proposal for a shortened day we urge all members of the school community to recognize these issues and the need to find mechanisms to address them.
Summary of Decisions by the Leadership Team on November 5th 2009
- The School Curriculum will be as previously proposed with one decision pending (about the option to the 2nd Language in Y9)
- There will be Vertical Tutor groups in Middle and Senior School supported by 4 x 20 minute Tutoring sessions per week
- There will be a 10 minute break between lessons in the school day
- There will be no shortened day with 5 x 50 minute lessons. We will develop an alternative proposal for the school day and publish next week.
- Further details on these issues will be published in due course.
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