Schools Shouldn’t Adopt a Four-Day Week Instead of Five Days
By Nainika, Year 9, Canberra (Australia)
The idea of adopting a four-day week sounds promising and relaxed; however, there are some significant challenges and problems that would arise. It would mean that all students would compromise their education, creating obstacles when completing assignments. Parents might also face difficulties taking a day off to provide care for their children. Moreover, teachers would endure an increased workload to complete the curriculum in a shorter period. As we consider this topic, it becomes clear that the drawbacks of a four-day school week urge us to reconsider whether this is truly the best path for our educational system.
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There is no doubt that embracing a four-day school week would create significant educational challenges. Potential obstacles would emerge, as grasping essential concepts is crucial. Without a solid understanding, students may struggle with assignments and assessments. With less time to cover the curriculum, there would be gaps in understanding, resulting in students not performing to their full potential. However, keeping a five-day school week is more suitable for all students. It ensures that they receive the necessary time and support from teachers, allowing them to thrive academically, with a deeper understanding and stronger foundation for the future.
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If we were to adopt a four-day school week, what would happen to children when parents go to work? What if the children are not old enough to stay home by themselves? Can children cope without adult supervision? These are questions parents would ask if schools reduced the week from five days to four. Without a doubt, this could cause parents to struggle with balancing their professional and home lives. Many families rely on the structure of a traditional school week for childcare and support, and a shorter week could force them to scramble for alternative arrangements, adding stress. Keeping the traditional five-day school week is advocated, proposed, and recommended for parents, ultimately helping them perform better at work and manage family dynamics more effectively.
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Adopting a four-day school week would also burden teachers, as they would need to complete the curriculum in a shorter time frame. This compression of instructional days would increase their workload, forcing educators to rush through essential material to meet educational standards. As a result, teachers might sacrifice in-depth teaching in favor of covering all topics before the end of the school year. The pressure to fit in lessons, assessments, and interventions could lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction, undermining the quality of instruction. Ultimately, a four-day school week could negatively affect both teachers' well-being and the overall educational experience for students, as quality instruction requires sufficient time and thoughtful engagement with the curriculum.
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In conclusion, a five-day school week is better than a four-day week. Fostering the traditional school schedule allows both students and teachers to engage deeply with the material, leading to better understanding and retention of the curriculum. By maintaining a five-day school week, we prioritize comprehensive education, effective teaching, and the well-being of both students and educators. A well-structured school week lays the foundation for academic success and prepares students for the complexities of the future, making it a crucial aspect of their development.