[bluecardigans]

SMH article

What if families could choose when they take their school holidays? At a time when there are cheaper travel opportunities, or a time that coincides with their own cultural festivals and family rituals. Or, a time when they feel they need a break. Together even. Not parents taking leave at staggered times to cover the school holidays.

As a family with both parents working full time, this sounds like an idea worth exploring, but I have no idea how this would work for students. Would there be a risk they could miss out on important parts of the curriculum?

[Jeyamoo]

I think it sounds like an awesome idea! School holidays are a nightmare for working parents. Of course it will never happen though...

[Soprano-Cat]

I can imagine the uproar over working parents who are also teachers taking advantage.

[*LucyE*]

I like the idea of re-working the school week so it isn't as hectic. My ideal would be a 3 or 4 day school week and a 3-4 day weekend.

If schools were flexible enough to allow students to learn at their own pace, it would allow quick learner more time to pursue other interests or some areas more deeply. It would also free up teachers to assist those who require more help.

The non academic school experience could still be scheduled for certain days when everyone is together on campus.

I disagree with the comment about students 'unlearning' during holidays because I believe there is more to education than what's in the curriculum (or a teacher's interpretation). I also think that some learning can be quickly forgotten if it wasn't taught properly and given the opportunity to fully understand and explore the issue. So often I hear the comment about there being so much to cram into such a short period of time yet there is so much time wasted because we are trying to box many individuals to conform and perform at the same rate.

Change is happening, but it is tinkering at the edges and is a slow process.

[howdo]

Actually it's common for children to 'go backwards' during the holidays. They do unlearn - reading levels slide backwards for example. That's just one measurable way.

I think it sounds like a great idea. I wish someone could figure out a way to do it!

[Holidayromp]

We are holidaying this time during the school term. We will be off for three weeks in under two weeks. It wasn't feasible to go away over the Christmas period this year and the school just faffs around with the students and class placements for at least the first two to three weeks. It is a frustrating process so we will be taking advantage of that faff around process to go away, enjoy cheap rates at a virtually deserted holiday destination. Win win for us.

We usually go away during the Christmas period but it is busy, the roads packed, holiday destinations packed and prices take a hike - I am dreaming of re going on a holiday to the gold coast during off peak and re-visiting the theme parks - I bet you they will not be packed.

[Justaduck]

We usually go away during the Christmas period but it is busy, the roads packed, holiday destinations packed and prices take a hike - I am dreaming of re going on a holiday to the gold coast during off peak and re-visiting the theme parks - I bet you they will not be packed.

I live in Brisbane and have park passes so have ducked down plenty of times on weekdays. Often they are busier than normal as they have the big tour groups from Asia there throughout the week.

[Holidayromp]

I live in Brisbane and have park passes so have ducked down plenty of times on weekdays. Often they are busier than normal as they have the big tour groups from Asia there throughout the week.

Doh!!!!! My dream of a quiet theme park dissipates like steam on a hot summers day Well at least I am under no illusions now!

[bluecardigans]

I like the idea of re-working the school week so it isn't as hectic. My ideal would be a 3 or 4 day school week and a 3-4 day weekend.

DS2 attends day care M & T, T & F. It works out really well as he only does two days in a row before getting a break. We used to have him attend M,T,W, and found that he was very grumpy on the Wed. He seems to cope better with the four days rather than the three in a row. I wish I could continue this next year which is FYOS.

[SplashingRainbow...]

I love the idea, although I do worry for full time working couples or singles with kids at school if there were more than a four week minimum holiday period.

At the moment we do at least have options for vacation care up to 12 years old - I worry those options might disappear.

Otherwise it's great.

I have recently started my own business and my ideal is that all staff work no more than four days per week. I am also trying to mirror the public service flexible times I've seen used where there is a core "must attend" time say 9-3 and staff are free to base there hours around their commitments so long as they do their contracted hours.

I can see why similar concepts would work well in the school system (albeit with challenges).