Nine schools across NSW are trialling the benefits of extending the school day as part of a research pilot, with initial reports indicating positive experiences for schools, students and their families.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell was at Kings Langley Public School today, where students are taking part in the flexible school hours trial with Cricket NSW.
Students at the school in North West Sydney can now access a range of extracurricular activities including fitness and breakfast programs before school, as well afternoon sessions of coding, dancing and Mandarin language lessons.
Ms Mitchell said the NSW Government is committed to providing parents with flexibility and delivering quality activities for kids at school outside the standard 9am to 3pm school day.
“The trial is now in its second week and already has seen more than 450 students take part in high quality extracurricular activities,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Principals, teachers and parents are telling us that children are excited about the new experiences available, while parents are also enjoying more flexibility balancing work and family life while knowing their children are positively engaged in a safe environment.
“Over the next two terms, this research pilot and insights from wider parental consultation will help inform how this flexible approach could be introduced across NSW schools.”
“More than 27 organisations such as Cricket NSW, NRL League Stars, Code Camp and PCYC have signed up to partner with us in this flexible school hours trial,
“It’s great to see so many providers on board, creating exciting opportunities for students that previously they may not have been able to access.
“The trial has also provided parents with more options and greater flexibility when choosing the most suitable after school activity for their child.”
The other schools involved in the trial are:
Cawdor Public School
Hanwood Public School
Hastings Secondary College (Westport Campus and Port Macquarie Campus)
Kentlyn Public School
Matraville Soldier’s Settlement Public School
Orange High School
Ruse Public School
Spring Hill Public School
Schools involved in the trial, taking place in Terms 3 and 4 of this school year, worked closely with their local communities to develop unique programs tailored to the needs of their families.
