Schools in NSW trialling extended hours

The New South Wales government is trialling extended school hours. Eight schools are participating in the trial aimed to suit the needs of parents and students.

The extended school hours aim to offer greater support to working parents managing their commitments.

“The reality is that the traditional school day, like the 9 to 5 workday, is a 20th century concept which may not be the best model for 21st century families, schools and the community”, said Ms Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning.

Are NSW school hours extending?

The schools in NSW trialling extended school hours will not impact class time for students.

“What we are doing is finding ways to better support students and make it easier for working parents to manage their commitments.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the schools will partner with community organisations, local businesses and sporting clubs.

Kids will have access to ‘a range of high quality activities’ outside the standard 9:00 am to 3:00 pm school day.

Why are schools in NSW trialling extended hours?

Mr Perrottet aims to provide options outside of standard school hours for working parents balancing family life.

“We want to offer greater support and comfort to parents, knowing that their kids are safe and happy taking part in a homework club in the school library, a dance class in the school hall or soccer practice on the school oval.”

Current extended hours in schools

Many schools currently offer extra curricular activities to meet parent needs.

Schools are reinventing the traditional school day through breakfast clubs, homework and study facilities, or sport and arts programs existing outside of school hours.

“This research pilot will give us a better understanding of what schools are already doing, and how we can expand on or implement effective practices at similar schools.”

Ms Mitchell, Minister for Education and Early Learning

The trial is particularly aimed at school sites that are under utilised.

When does the trial extending school hours in NSW start?

The trial will run in Terms 3 and 4 for 20 weeks.

The 8 schools in NSW trialling extended hours are:

• Cawdor Public School

• Hanwood Public School

• Hastings Secondary College

• Kentlyn Public School

• Matraville Soldier’s Settlement Public School

• Orange High School

• Spring Hill Public School

• Tacking Point Public School

Summary of schools in NSW trialling extended hours:

• 8 schools in NSW are trialling extended hours.
• The extended hours do not change classroom hours. They aim to provide parents with help outside of the 9:00 am to 3:00 pm school day.
• The trial will take place with the help of community organisations, local business and sporting clubs.
• The trial will run in Terms 3 and 4 for 20 weeks.