Four-and-a-half day week
FGCS is set to switch to a four-and-a-half day week in a bid to create a “happier, more productive” environment.
From next September, students will leave just after midday every Friday afternoon. School will remain open until 5pm for supervised study and talks from guest speakers though attendance is optional. Staff will be given training to manage the shorter timetable ahead of the introduction of the new policy at the start of the next academic year.
Executive Headteacher Simon Elliott said that despite the changes, the school will maintain its high academic standards. He said: “When you are a top performing school you cannot rest on your laurels, you must always look at ways to improve.
“This is something we are undertaking in the knowledge that we have recruited the committed, talented and passionate teachers who will help us make this a success.
“We are confident that the introduction of a shorter timetable will not impact on our capacity to continue to achieve among the very best results in the country. On the contrary, we believe happier, less stressed staff who feel valued will help create the type of learning environment to improve productivity.”
Read the full story in the Newham Recorder: