Archive Session 93

8/2/2019 Archive Session 93

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ukedchat Archive 12 April 2012Hosted by @ICTmagic

Should the timings of terms & the 'openinghours' of the school day be changed?

20:00 ukedchatIt's 8pm. Time for #ukedchat. Topic: 'Should the timingsof terms & the 'opening hours' of the school day bechanged?' with @ICTmagic

20:00 nickotkdIV

RT @ukedchat: #ukedchat is about the start. If you are

joining us you should unprotect your tweets and use the#ukedchat hashtag.

20:00 ICTmagicI'd like to begin by talking about the number of termsand half terms. Is there a better structure? What doother countries do? #ukedchat

20:01 nickotkdIV #ukedchat 3 or 5 i dont mind!

20:01 itweetjigRT @urban_teacher: In Asia, it's about long hours long hours in school, long hours after school. The UKneed to adopt this approach! #ukedchat #edchat

20:01 urban_teacher In Asia, it's about long hours long hours in school,long hours after school. The UK need to adopt thisapproach! #ukedchat #edchat

20:01 ICTwitzAs more 'free' schools & academies pop up, I can seethere is not going to be a "normal" school year for muchlonger #ukedchat

20:01 mikallaane is the term system broke? #ukedchat

20:02 nightzookeeper@ICTmagic I read an article yesterday suggesting a fiveterm structure, and a shorter summer break #ukedchat

20:02 shiponhighseas RT @GuardianEduCent: Fascinating teaching blog:tackling shyness takes centre stagehttp://t.co/NdkIeoXQ @guardianteach #ukedchat

20:02 ukedchatIf you are joining #ukedchat you should unprotect yourtweets & use the #ukedchat hashtag.

20:03 mikallaanewho's review/report are we to believe regardingterms/times? #ukedchat

20:04 BenRogersOVA@ICTmagic I don't think the number of terms makes ahuge difference, but the amount of holiday overall andhow it is distributed. #ukedchat

20:04 BenRogersOVA@ICTmagic I don't think the number of terms makes ahuge difference, but the amount of holiday overall andhow it is distributed. #ukedchat

20:04 philallman1RT @wendyJR: #ukedchat would love 4 week summerhols with 2 week feb and oct

20:04 philallman1RT @wendyJR: #ukedchat would love 4 week summerhols with 2 week feb and oct

20:04 wendyJR#ukedchat would love 4 week summer hols with 2 weekfeb and oct

20:04 wendyJR #ukedchat would love 4 week summer hols with 2 week

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feb and oct

20:04 smurfatik@ICTmagic in the USA had two 18 week semesters &block schedule so I had diff classes each semester, no

half terms but long summer #ukedchat20:04 ICTmagic @nickotkdIV Can I ask why? #ukedchat

20:04 raisechildrens#ukedchat I think the young people would like to get uplater but I don't know if that would make them even laterto school!

20:04 soos24@ICTmagic #ukedchat Ireland have same holidays asuk until the summer, then they break up - secondaries atstart of exams beginning june

20:04 Kezmerrelda#ukedchat I am quite happy how it is! Though have anopen mind

20:04 ICTwitz#ukedchat The good news about different terms ischeaper holidays for #teachers. How many Scottishteachers fly off in July from England?

20:05 NuttyA10#ukedchat Does a long summer holiday actually makeany difference? Doesn't appear to do so in othercountries.

20:05 mikallaane@ICTwitz I agree with you @ICTwitz, independentprivate schools have a very short year, no complaintsthere #ukedchat

20:05 urban_teacherFinland's success is especially intriguing becauseFinnish schools assign less homework and engagechildren in more creative play. #ukedchat

20:05 nickotkdIV@Kezmerrelda would you prefer 3 or 5 terms if theygave you the choice? #ukedchat

20:05 ICTmagic@soos24 So how long is that in total for the summerhols? #ukedchat

20:06 raisechildrens@urban_teacher #ukedchat if I could teach anywhereagain it would be in Finland, sounds so sensible!

20:06 soos24 @ICTmagic #ukedchat actually nearer 11 weeks

20:06 smurfatik@ICTmagic now in Sweden we run Aug-June, with 1week off in Nov, 2 at xmas, 1 in Feb & 1 for easter & Ionly teach 17 hours a week #ukedchat

20:06 hamlinr01RT @unseenflirt: New term tasks: emailing an accurateweekly timesheet of hours worked, including marking, toMr Michael Gove #edchat #ukedchat

20:06 ICTmagic

RT @BenRogersOVA: @ICTmagic I don't think thenumber of terms makes a huge difference, but the

amount of holiday overall and how it is distributed.#ukedchat

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20:06 BenRogersOVA

RT @urban_teacher: Finland's success is especiallyintriguing because Finnish schools assign lesshomework and engage children in more creative play.#ukedchat

20:06 nightzookeeperRT @BenRogersOVA: @ICTmagic I don't think thenumber of terms makes a huge difference, but theamount of holiday overall and how it is distributed.#ukedchat

20:06 soos24@ICTmagic #ukedchat at least 9 weeks , they go backlast week august

20:06 ICTmagic@smurfatik Which system do you think is better andwhy? #ukedchat

20:06 ukedchat

#ukedchat topic reminder: 'Should the timings of terms

& the 'opening hours' of the school day be changed?'with @ICTmagic hosting.

20:07 terr1_leighI am not against making the summer holiday shorterhowever I do not want longer terms. My 4 yr oldsstruggle with 6 week terms. #ukedchat

20:07 Carlsberg40@nickotkdIV @ICTmagic the other 'they' say it has noproven detimental affect? #ukedchat

20:07 Weezad_1@wendyJR I agree - only problem that could be raisedis exam classes missing out on time #ukedchat

20:07 nickotkdIVRT @smurfatik: @ICTmagic now in Sweden we run

Aug-June, with 1 week off in Nov, 2 at xmas, 1 in Feb &1 for easter & I only teach 17 hours a week #ukedchat

20:07 hip_teacherAcademy system will see decline in 'standard' schoolcalendar. Will be increasingly localised. As willinspection, training etc #ukedchat

20:07 NuttyA10@smurfatik @ICTmagic What does that look like inholiday terms? #ukedchat

20:07 chiko_tc#ukedchat I think that sometimes the idea of termssuggests to learners that learning stops during holidays.

20:07 smurfatik@ICTmagic and our school has a flexible schedule, noclass starts and ends at same time or have same timesin school each day #ukedchat

20:07 ICTmagic@soos24 What do teachers, parents and children thinkabout such a long summer? Does boredom kick in forthe kids? #ukedchat

20:07 NuttyA10@nickotkdIV @ICTmagic But does it? Other countriesdon't appear to have that problem. #ukedchat

20:08 MarieWallace7

@ukedchat 4 weeks summer and 2 weeks half terms

would be great

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20:08 philallman1The learning loss issue is not the key for me - staffillness & energy is. 2wks Oct & 2wks Feb would reducethat. #ukedchat

20:08 ClaireJoanneICT @wendyJR Sounds like a better split #ukedchat

20:08 BenRogersOVA @NuttyA10 Evidence clearly shows the long breakhaving a negative effect on learning (Hattie). #ukedchat

20:08 nickotkdIV@smurfatik @ICTmagic like the sound of that.#ukedchat

20:08 Kezmerrelda@nickotkdIV #ukedchat I think i would stick how it us butwould trade couple weeks in summer with extra weekselsewhere!

20:08 mikallaane@urban_teacher agree, but our government wontreplicate this as it doesnt fit their agenda #ukedchat

20:08 soos24 @NuttyA10 #ukedchat we actually have much shortersummer break than most countries that seem to outdous in achievement :/

20:09 nightzookeeper@chiko_tc Agreed, I think that a lot of valuable learningcan happen when the pressure has been taken off#ukedchat

20:09 nickotkdIVRT @philallman1: The learning loss issue is not the keyfor me - staff illness & energy is. 2wks Oct & 2wks Febwould reduce that. #ukedchat

20:09 NuttyA10 @soos24 Question to be asked is why this has an effectin England then or how it doesn't in others? #ukedchat

20:09 ICTwitzMaybe school terms should be decided by parentslocally, encouraging less absence in the school?#ukedchat #playingnumbersgame

20:09 MrTomtheTeacher@wendyJR 2 weeks off in some of the crappiestweather the UK has? No thanks! #ukedchat

20:09 soos24@ICTmagic #ukedchat I guess it does eventually,although where we were, very rural, they just loved thefreedom - not same everywhere

20:09 philallman1@BenRogersOVA @NuttyA10 so why ont in othercountries ofr the indy sector?? #ukedchat

20:10 raisechildrens#ukedchat if holidays were more frequent this mayenable more consistent youth work in between such assessions around stress, 1:1s etc

20:10 nickotkdIV @wendyJR 4 weeks in summer? #ukedchat

20:10 BenRogersOVA@philallman1 It seems to me that learning isn't the onlyfactor involved in the decision. Isn't that odd in aneducation system? #ukedchat

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20:10 nickotkdIV@ShaunGosney @ICTmagic very true. Also it thearguement of why cahnge something that works?#ukedchat

20:10 ICTmagicRT @LeonardJamesUK: @nickotkdIV @ICTmagic and

yet the private schools have longer holidays #ukedchat

20:10 NuttyA10@BenRogersOVA But it obviously doesn't have thateffect in independent schools though or other countries.#ukedchat

20:10 urban_teacherThe Finnish school day is short and interspersed withoutdoors activities.

20:10 ICTmagicDo we think that holidays can be too long for the kids?Do we feel that they go backwards after a long break?#ukedchat

20:10 LeonardJamesUK @nickotkdIV @ICTmagic and yet the private schoolshave longer holidays #ukedchat

20:11 BenRogersOVA@NuttyA10 I think it does have the same effect, butlearning isn't the only consideration. #ukedchat

20:11 ClaireJoanneICT@terr1_leigh I agree - 6 or 7 weeks is long enough#ukedchat

20:11 chiko_tc#ukedchat The availability of the internet should, in timemake the need for structured education redundant.Make way for learning on demand

20:11 nickotkdIV RT @AliceBakesCakes: 6 weeks summer seemsperfect to me, 2 weeks to wind down, 2 to properly relax,then 2 to get heads back into work mode! #ukedchat

20:11 ICTmagicRT @smurfatik: @ICTmagic none of them are better,the long summer is good IF kids have access to lots ofalternative activities #ukedchat

20:11 nickotkdIV@LeonardJamesUK @ICTmagic True, why is this, thatprivate schools get longer holidays? #ukedchat

20:11 ICTmagicThe difference between private and state schools isinteresting. Why is there a difference? Is it necessary?#ukedchat

20:11 Iainbone1974@smurfatik @ictmagic is that 17hrs full time? Is the restmade up of plan/prep/assess? #ukedchat

20:11 smurfatik@ICTmagic none of them are better, the long summer isgood IF kids have access to lots of alternative activities#ukedchat

20:11 MrTomtheTeacher#ukedchat I'm now teaching in Norway, where theystagger the half terms between different regions toreduce pressure on holiday prices

20:11 mattbritland RT @LeonardJamesUK: @nickotkdIV @ICTmagic and

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yet the private schools have longer holidays #ukedchat

20:11 AliceBakesCakes6 weeks summer seems perfect to me, 2 weeks to winddown, 2 to properly relax, then 2 to get heads back into

work mode! #ukedchat20:11 soos24

@NuttyA10 #ukedchat well we are told it has an effect,no evidence that 6 weeks results in loss of learning

20:12 NuttyA10@soos24 This is the key to summer hols and termtimes. Evidence seems to be lacking to say what theeffect is and why. #ukedchat

20:12 philallman1@BenRogersOVA @NuttyA10 other countries dontappear to have the learning loss evidenced? #ukedchat

20:12 ICTmagic@Carlsberg40 So you would like 2 or 3 of the summerweeks attached to the half terms? #ukedchat

20:12 raisechildrens#ukedchat young people are more relaxed in theholidays and tend to open up more enablingpreventative work before they go back to school.

20:12 MrTomtheTeacher#ukedchat one problem with long holidays is parentswho don't keep up with reading, times tables.

20:12 NuttyA10@BenRogersOVA But think has to be backed up withevidence. #ukedchat

20:12 philallman1@BenRogersOVA not really as lots of other factorshelp/hinder learning. #ukedchat

20:12 ukedchatTopic reminder: 'Should the timings of terms & the'opening hours' of the school day be changed?' with@ICTmagic hosting. #ukedchat

20:12 thosethatcan@MrTomtheTeacher @wendyJR & of course as soonas travel companies get wind of it, the prices will be justas high as other hols #ukedchat

20:13 Kezmerrelda#ukedchat with all interactive learning opps have tokeep on eye on the ball all time for kids posting/ sharingonline anytime! Hols or not

20:13 ICTmagic@norfolkshine Any draw backs that you can like of?#ukedchat

20:13 NuttyA10@norfolkshine @Carlsberg40 @nickotkdIV @ICTmagicLikelihood is less staff illness, more productivity.#ukedchat

20:13 Shaz_Yu#ukedchat Advantage of random term dates, is howcheap holiday packages are!

20:13 smurfatik@ICTmagic personally though I would prefer to work 6weeks on, 1 week holiday - stops me getting cabin fever

BUT #ukedchat

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20:13 nickotkdIV#ukedchat when and how long do people want theholidays to be?

20:13 BenRogersOVA@soos24 That rather depends on who is doing thetalking. Hattie shows a clear negative effect. I tend to

trust his analysis. #ukedchat

20:14 nickotkdIVRT @NuttyA10: @norfolkshine @Carlsberg40@nickotkdIV @ICTmagic Likelihood is less staff illness,more productivity. #ukedchat

20:14 ICTwitzPerhaps all state schools should follow the holidaymodels of the private sector!?! #ukedchat

20:14 nickotkdIV @wendyJR a 2 week hol? #ukedchat

20:14 Iainbone1974#ukedchat the 6 week summer break could includefocus workshops to concentrate / target areas of

weakness! Get the week back at East or aug!

20:14 MarieWallace7RT @Shaz_Yu: I belong to school that have five terms,short summers and longer school days. Pace is fasterand much more seems to get done #ukedchat

20:14 BenRogersOVA@ICTmagic Isn't the difference traditional? Privatesector was traditionally boarding. Long holidays makesense in this context. #ukedchat

20:14 PeterAllen1Just come in to #ukedchat Are we discussing longerdays, shorter holidays? What's the general consensus?#ShorterDaysLongerHolidays

20:14 smurfatik@ICTmagic kids need time away from formal curriculumto just enjoy being kids - for that I think Sweden is verygood #ukedchat

20:14 rachel_ireland@ukedchat @ictmagic Also think that a more evendistribution of 1/2 terms would be better. #edchat

20:14 soos24@BenRogersOVA #ukedchat would be interested tolook into that!

20:15 AliceBakesCakesRT @Jet1577: #ukedchat When I'm exhausted anddeflate after another govt kicking - the 6 wks hols mean Idon't actively start looking for job outside tch

20:15 Carlsberg40@ICTmagic but now I'm a teacher too I see the benefits,both 2 teachers and chn! #ukedchat

20:15 super_sixfive@ukedchat can't make my mind up on this one, realhead v heart. Head says maybe better for students,heart says I like 6 week holiday.

20:15 jamesdhobsonukIts not when the holidays are but how long the termsare; six weeks is best-longer terms produced tiredlearners+teachers

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20:15 NuttyA10@smurfatik @ICTmagic Think that's something wedefinitely forget about in Eng. It's almost like parentsdon't want chn at home. #ukedchat

20:15 nickotkdIV@NuttyA10 @norfolkshine @Carlsberg40 @ICTmagic

so have extra holidays to revive staff! #ukedchat

20:15 nightzookeeper@MrTomtheTeacher I guess this depends on how muchthe parents are included during term time. Lots of waysto do this, blog etc. #ukedchat

20:15 Jet1577#ukedchat When I'm exhausted and deflate afteranother govt kicking - the 6 wks hols mean I don'tactively start looking for job outside tch

20:16 Weezad_1@MrTomtheTeacher #ukedchat sounds like a good idea- avoids a system where it varies from sch to sch

affecting siblings - cheaper hols too20:16 BenRogersOVA

@philallman1 International studies show learning loss.#ukedchat

20:16 MrTomtheTeacher#ukedchat. Paying parents are often v. supportive ofeducation (often via tutor/au pair) ;-) @ICTmagic

20:16 super_sixfiveRT @jamesdhobsonuk: Its not when the holidays arebut how long the terms are; six weeks is best-longerterms produced tired learners+teachers

20:16 SimonBainbridge#ukedchat I remember reading somewhere online abouta new state of the art school that was opening at 10am.Due to research ...

20:16 ICTwitz@Jet1577 Teachers say that, but what are the other joboptions? #ukedchat

20:16 NuttyA10@nickotkdIV @norfolkshine @Carlsberg40 @ICTmagicIt would appear that way. #ukedchat

20:16 Kezmerrelda#ukedchat is age if children relevant. Little ones needregular week breaks more maybe?

20:16 Carlsberg40@nickotkdIV @NuttyA10 @norfolkshine @ICTmagicand children? #ukedchat

20:16 BenRogersOVA@NuttyA10 Have a look at Hattie and I'm sure manyothers. There is ample evidence: #ukedchat

20:16 Jet1577@ICTwitz: Perhaps all state schools should followthe holiday models of the private sector!?!#ukedchat I would second that!

20:16 nickotkdIV@ShaunGosney that why they say have 5 terms with 2week holiday. children never pout of school for morethan 2 weeks #ukedchat

20:16 NuttyA10

@jamesdhobsonuk I agree with that. Terms of differing

lengths don't help either. #ukedchat

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20:17 super_sixfiveRT @urban_teacher: The time a student spends inschool is not the issue! Its their desire, determination tosucceed is the major issue. #Complacency #ukedchat

20:17 MrTomtheTeacher@Weezad_1 #ukedchat @ICTmagic seems to work

here.

20:17 nickotkdIV#ukedchat we are all talking about teachers need 6weeks off, do the Children also need 6 weeks off#ukedchat

20:17 planetchampion@jamesdhobsonuk But how does that square with theresearch that establishes six weeks is too long forchildren's learning? #ukedchat

20:17 Shaz_Yu@mikallaane it's an Academy in the West Midlands#ukedchat

20:17 philallman1 'No qual research ws apparent in rel 2 the educ impactof 3 term structures comp 2 4 (or more) termstructures.'< Banfield 2010 #ukedchat

20:17 urban_teacherThe time a student spends in school is not the issue! Itstheir desire, determination to succeed is the major issue.#Complacency #ukedchat

20:17 nickotkdIV@Carlsberg40 @NuttyA10 @norfolkshine @ICTmagicvery good point! #ukedchat

20:18 BenRogersOVA @urban_teacher Both are important surely? #ukedchat

20:18 philallman1 @BenRogersOVA @NuttyA10 No there isn't - just donea google search and it is pretty thin actually #ukedchat

20:18 NuttyA10@nickotkdIV #ukedchat Children definitely need thechance to recoup and maybe spend time with theirfamilies. Maybe solve a few probs!

20:18 ianaddison@nickotkdIV do teachers NEED 6 weeks? #ukedchatwould 4 do?

20:18 Weezad_1 @jamesdhobsonuk #ukedchat true!

20:18 ICTmagicI'm interested to hear what is happening in Academies.#ukedchat

20:18 alisba1My summer holiday is under 4 weeks ends with A Leveland GCSE results supporting students with UCAS theninterviews for sixth form #ukedchat

20:19 nickotkdIV @wendyJR Agree! so 5 terms it is! #ukedchat

20:19 hanbrowesRT @ukedchat: Topic reminder: 'Should the timings ofterms & the 'opening hours' of the school day bechanged?' with @ICTmagic hosting. #ukedchat

20:19 ClaireJoanneICT@terr1_leigh yes - the last week will seem like a verylong week!! #ukedchat

20:19 nickotkdIV @ianaddison 4 will do #ukedchat

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20:19 SimonBainbridge#ukedchat that found that students learn better withthe learning day starting & finishing later.

20:19 ICTmagicIf the hols remain as they are, how can we stop childrenmoving backwards? #ukedchat

20:19 soos24 @ianaddison @nickotkdIV #ukedchat 5 maybe :/20:19 MrTomtheTeacher

@nickotkdIV #ukedchat A very good point to throw atnon-teachers who scoff at long holidays...

20:19 Shaz_Yu@urban_teacher this approach is adopted by someacademies to encourage competence based learning#ukedchat

20:20 nickotkdIVRT @thosethatcan: @nickotkdIV I take your point buthonestly, I can't work the way I do without knowingthese breaks come. Particularly the 6 weeks. #ukedchat

20:20 iloveholidays82 @Jet1577 #ukedchat I feel like that, 6 week hols giveme time to really recharge and explore ready to teachbetter.

20:20 BenRogersOVA@ICTmagic All academies in Norfolk follow the countycalendar. It is very difficult for families if there aredifferent dates. #ukedchat

20:20 nickotkdIVRT @AliceBakesCakes: @nickotkdIV Yes, althoughthey probably need something to do to keep their brainsticking over! #ukedchat

20:20 nickotkdIV RT @ICTwitz: @nickotkdIV I think we all recognise thatsome pupils take time to get back into the learning modeafter such a long break #ukedchat

20:20 ICTmagicDo you like that Primary and Secondary schools wouldbenefit from different term times? #ukedchat

20:20 ICTwitz@norfolkshine Ooh yes! Would love that...if it was funfor all :-) #ukedchat

20:20 Jet1577@norfolkshine @ictwitz Not for many of the privateschools around here and reduced teaching loads asthey bring in specialists #ukedchat

20:20 Shaz_Yu@ICTmagic We have five terms, two week breaksbetween terms & four week summers #ukedchat

20:20 philallman1@janbaker97 my feeling is it would spread the load outmore though #ukedchat

20:20 NuttyA10@ICTmagic Maybe we need to start looking at fact thatlearning doesn't just happen in school time. Are weteaching skills 4 life? #ukedchat

20:20 thosethatcan@nickotkdIV I take your point but honestly, I can't workthe way I do without knowing these breaks come.

Particularly the 6 weeks. #ukedchat

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20:20 AliceBakesCakes@nickotkdIV Yes, although they probably needsomething to do to keep their brains ticking over!#ukedchat

20:21 ICTmagic

RT @NuttyA10: @ICTmagic Maybe we need to start

looking at fact that learning doesn't just happen inschool time. Are we teaching skills 4 life? #ukedchat

20:21 Carlsberg40@thosethatcan @nickotkdIV I agree, the summer issometimes the light at the end of the tunnel #ukedchat

20:21 MissTtalks@nickotkdIV @ianaddison #ukedchat 6 wks is too long,but wouldn't want current terms with extra weeks! Newstructure would be best

20:21 super_sixfive#ukedchat I would like to consider what would boostengagement and productivity. Students work better at

certain times of the day and year20:21 BenRogersOVA

@philallman1 I'm not sure how convincing that is!#ukedchat

20:21 MrTomtheTeacher#ukedchat What's an alternative to the 3-term systemthen?

20:21 AliceBakesCakesRT @NuttyA10: @ICTmagic Maybe we need to startlooking at fact that learning doesn't just happen inschool time. Are we teaching skills 4 life? #ukedchat

20:21 nickotkdIV @moreolives What type of school? #ukedchat

20:21 NuttyA10 @Carlsberg40 @nickotkdIV And that's a sad indictmentof the times we appear to live in. #ukedchat

20:21 moreolivesRT @iloveholidays82: @Jet1577 #ukedchat I feel likethat, 6 week hols give me time to really recharge andexplore ready to teach better.

20:21 jamesdhobsonuk6 week hol produces idea of "fresh start". Can last til lateNovember. Don't underestimate value of that toteachers/children #ukedchat

20:21 Iainbone1974@nickotkdIV #ukedchat children simply need to bestimulated and guided, they learn through play and thiscan be delivered by various means!

20:21 Saltcreature#ukedchat Holidays could be the same but spread overthe year in two week blocks etc.

20:21 lewissmallwood#ukedchat holidays should be optional, work when wewant to :P

20:21 nickotkdIV@thosethatcan that's a good point, would have moreholiday and terms no longer then 6 weeks work?#ukedchat

20:21 MrMunton I work at the same Academy in the midlands as

@Shaz_Yu - 5 terms 2 weeks between each term and

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a four week summer. Works for us. #ukedchat

20:2

2NuttyA10

17yo just said to me that after a yr of stress w/ examsshe, as well as her tchrs, need a 6 week break torecuperate. #ukedchat

20:22

nickotkdIV@norfolkshine @ianaddison the more i think about it themore i think 5 terms would be good! #ukedchat

20:22

Saltcreature#ukedchat Schools should have longer 'opening hours'to make good use of the space, especially for thecommunity.

20:22

ICTwitzI suppose the 6 weeks holiday can be enriching for thepupils, but the onus is on the parents. :-s #ukedchatExpensive to do!

20:22

Kezmerrelda#ukedchat summer, Christmas and Easter are holidays.Half terms are targets, reports, assessments, levelling,planning not holidays!

20:22

nickotkdIV@Carlsberg40 @NuttyA10 and then 4 week off in thesummer #ukedchat

20:23 nickotkdIV@NuttyA10 too true! "And that's a sad indictment of thetimes we appear to live in. #ukedchat"

20:23 moreolives@Kezmerrelda not even sure Easter is a holiday withcontrolled assessment marking. Plenty in doing

workshops too. #ukedchat

20:23 urban_teacherMotivation, Study Time, and Learning Strategies arekey? but why do our students show no REAL interest isthe test upon tests? #ukedchat

20:23 ICTwitzWe need a reporter/columnist from the Daily Mail to givea balanced view from the other side of the fence for this#ukedchat discussion!!!

20:23 nickotkdIVRT @NuttyA10: @Carlsberg40 @nickotkdIV And that'sa sad indictment of the times we appear to live in.

#ukedchat

20:23 nightzookeeper@Iainbone1974 @nickotkdiv totally agree with you onthat. Do you use any edu games to get your studentslearning during Hols? #ukedchat

20:23 nickotkdIV @MissTtalks how would you organise it? #ukedchat

20:23 soos24@Shaz_Yu @ICTmagic #ukedchat that would not betoo dramatic a change, but I think we all like to rechargesummer, definite break in year

20:24 Shaz_Yu

Longer opening hours is an opportunity for the

community to take part in organised events #ukedchat

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20:24 thosethatcan@nickotkdIV have experienced an 8 wk term. If had todo it regularly would either a) take foot off pedal veryearly or b) die #ukedchat

20:24 soos24

RT @moreolives: @Kezmerrelda not even sure Easter

is a holiday with controlled assessment marking. Plentyin doing workshops too. #ukedchat

20:24 benniekara#UKEdChat if you get a few moments folks, take time tocomment on my new blog! http://t.co/inuAr3e4 on Ofstedand English lessons!

20:24 mooshtang#ukedchat TBH I get bored in the long summer and findit quite isolating at times as only a few of my friends areteachers @ianaddison

20:24 girlyrunner1

#ukedchat On a totally personal level husband is farmer

so I spend 6wks alone.Would prefer less summer hols&more at other times! #selfish

20:24 NuttyA10@nickotkdIV @Carlsberg40 Tchrs I've known who'vedone that say it works & seems a much better system.#ukedchat

20:25 NuttyA10RT @alisba1: shorter summer break would lead to moreparents taking children out of school in term time asholidays would be more expensive #ukedchat

20:25 alisba1shorter summer break would lead to more parentstaking children out of school in term time as holidayswould be more expensive #ukedchat

20:25 ClaireJoanneICT@MrMunton Does this mean some of your terms are 8weeks long? #ukedchat

20:25 Weezad_1@norfolkshine #ukedchat me too. I get a bit bored insummer hols - all friends working. 4 weeks would do -have August off

20:25 MrMuntonTeachers and students get a longer down time everybreak. Helps us keep up good intensity during term time@Shaz_Yu #ukedchat

20:25 MrMuntonTeachers and students get a longer down time everybreak. Helps us keep up good intensity during term time@Shaz_Yu #ukedchat

20:25 MrsHeadteacherRT @philallman1: The learning loss issue is not the keyfor me - staff illness & energy is. 2wks Oct & 2wks Febwould reduce that. #ukedchat

20:25 ICTwitzFascinating how the kids holiday camp trade is bigbusiness in USA, but not taken off in UK! #ukedchat

20:25 moreolives

@ICTwitz heavens above! Parents actually taking some

responsibility for a child's education - radical! #ukedchat

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20:25 raisechildrens#ukedchat summer holidays are really good times forchn/young people to make new friends and gainconfidence ready for new term.

20:25 thosethatcan

RT @Carlsberg40: @thosethatcan @nickotkdIV I agree,

summer is sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel#ukedchat > Gove = train coming

20:25 DrDav@ICTwitz Nothing wrong with parents having to spendtime with their kids - they chose to have them after all.#ukedchat

20:25 nickotkdIV#ukedchat if we set the right learning atmosphere forsummer work shouldn't the standards be maintainedover the summer during the break.

20:25 soos24 @ICTwitz #ukedchat good point lol :0

20:25 SteveThursby @jamesdhobsonuk But 6 weeks 'holiday' helps teacherslive longer in retirement, which government don't want.#ukedchat

20:25 AliceBakesCakes@Kezmerrelda I spent christmas planning interventionsand have worked 5 days at Easter too #ukedchat

20:26 philallman1 @ICTwitz their hols are longer! #ukedchat

20:26 nickotkdIVRT @Carlsberg40: @thosethatcan @nickotkdIV I agree,summer is sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel#ukedchat > Gove = train coming

20:26 ICTmagic I'm sure we could continue discussing this until 9pm. ButI'd like to discuss timings of the school day. Thought?#ukedchat

20:26 NuttyA10@alisba1 & at a time when govt is stating that it wouldbe classed as unauthorised. #ukedchat

20:26 thosethatcanRT @Saltcreature: #ukedchat Schools should havelonger 'opening hours' to make good use of the space,especially for the community. > agree!

20:26 Shaz_YuRT @MrMunton: Teachers and students get a longerdown time every break. Helps us keep up good intensityduring term time @Shaz_Yu #ukedchat

20:26 nickotkdIV@thosethatcan good point will think about this... Feel apost coming on!! #ukedchat

20:26 Kezmerrelda@MrGazz_ICT I'm not saying I want that! I havechildren of my own at primary and secondary! Wouldn'twork for me - just a thought! #ukedchat

20:27 ICTwitz@philallman1 I know. I wonder if such a conversation isgoing on in the US education system? #ukedchat#edchat

20:27 mooshtang #ukedchat However on a one week half term I spend 2

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days just recovering and at least 1 or 2 working anyway!

20:27 mikematthewsCDN@mattbritland Easter isn't even complete and alreadynext year begins... http://t.co/Qvt8364d Let me know

what you think? #ukedchat20:27 Shaz_Yu We should embrace change #ukedchat

20:27 essjaydoubleyou

RT @MrMunton: I work at the same Academy in themidlands as @Shaz_Yu - 5 terms 2 weeks betweeneach term and a four week summer. Works for us.#ukedchat

20:27 lewissmallwood

RT @thosethatcan: RT @Saltcreature: #ukedchatSchools should have longer 'opening hours' to makegood use of the space, especially for the community. >agree!

20:27 NuttyA10@thosethatcan @Saltcreature Not necessarily run byteachers though. #ukedchat

20:27 urban_teacher@BenRogersOVA Productivity is the key! Long hoursdoes not ensure that #ukedchat

20:27 KhalSirRT @jamesdhobsonuk: Its not when the holidays arebut how long the terms are; six weeks is best-longerterms produced tired learners+teachers

20:27 mooshtang#ukedchat I do find I need the breaks as teachers workso intensively term time, but perhaps not 6 weeks in onego.

20:28 NuttyA10RT @nickotkdIV: @norfolkshine indeed! if we had 5terms they would never be more that 6 weeks long! withalways 2 weeks off! #ukedchat

20:28 moreolives@mikematthewsCDN @mattbritland I would say I workevery holidays apart from Summer. I need that break.#ukedchat

20:28 wendyfarronRT @Teen_Whisperer: What keeps me awake at night -

A tale of two headteachers http://t.co/VfMsyO9H | TES

via @hrogerson #ukedchat #edchat #education

20:28 iloveholidays82RT @raisechildrens: #ukedchat summer holidays arereally good times for chn/young people to make newfriends and gain confidence ready for new term.

20:28 ICTmagicLots of countries start early in the morning? How do youfeel about moving the start of the day? #ukedchat

20:28 MrTomtheTeacher@ICTmagic #ukedchat Primary schools should startearlier & finish earlier. Some research that teenagersbenefit from later starts IIRC

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20:28 NuttyA10@mooshtang Maybe it is something that changes if youhave your own children? I love the 6 weeks with mine.Don't get bored. #ukedchat

20:28 philallman1@norfolkshine @thosethatcan @nickotkdIV but that was

prob when you only had a week off after it! #ukedchat20:2

9nightzookeeper

@ICTmagic started earlier in Abu Dhabi, just ended uphaving a longer working day as still wouldn't leave tillafter 6pm #ukedchat

20:29

philallman1@thosethatcan @NuttyA10 @Saltcreature now that Iagree with! All those facilities!! #ukedchat

20:29

moreolivesRT @mooshtang: #ukedchat However on a one weekhalf term I spend 2 days just recovering and at least 1 or2 working anyway!

20:29

nickotkdIV RT @NuttyA10 @norfolkshine indeed! if we had 5 termsthey would never be more that 6 weeks long! withalways 2 weeks off! #ukedchat

20:29

terr1_leigh#ukedchat we work hard during term time and it is fairlyintensive work so the 6 weeks are a good way to relaxand have a life again!

20:29

thosethatcan@NuttyA10 @Saltcreature > there are SO manycommunity leaders who would jump at chance to runsessions in fully equipped schools! #ukedchat

20:29

AliceBakesCakes@ICTmagic School days should stay the same length,but start and finish later - half my class are asleep at8.50! #ukedchat

20:29

philallman1@ICTwitz last study done there I found of any not ongoogle scholar was 2003! #ukedchat so no!

20:30 mooshtang@NuttyA10 @janbaker97 Yes I've I have kids I imaginethat will be very different #ukedchat The kids need torecharge too!

20:30 mattbritland@moreolives @mikematthewsCDN #ukedchat Me too,all other holidays are very busy.I will prob work duringthe last week or 2 of summer hols

20:30 essjaydoubleyouRT @Shaz_Yu: Longer opening hours is an opportunityfor the community to take part in organised events#ukedchat

20:30 terr1_leighStarting later may work as I have half of my Early yearsclass being carried in because they are exhausted bythe end of the week #ukedchat

20:30 Saltcreature@NuttyA10 @thosethatcan #ukedchat True, adultlearning and extra curricular activities for all who want it.

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20:30 ICTwitz@ICTmagic A lot of pupils get dropped off early forbreakfast club nowadays. Should this be the start of theschool day instead? #ukedchat

20:30 nickotkdIV @terr1_leigh is it too long? #ukedchat

20:30 NuttyA10 @thosethatcan @Saltcreature Would also show thatlearning isn't just classroom based. #ukedchat

20:30 Carlsberg40@ICTmagic Some parents struggle to get chn to sch for8.45am! Although an earlier start and finish issometimes attractive! #ukedchat

20:30 MissManUtdRed@ICTmagic early morning wud b g 8. Children alwaysless responsive after dinner but difficult for workingparents if early finish #ukedchat

20:31 Saltcreature

@super_sixfive The school should be open longer for

other stuff not necessarily the teachers teaching.#ukedchat

20:31 NuttyA10@terr1_leigh My 13 & 17 yo feel that. They say a laterstarting/finishing time is better as they wake up & readymid morning. #ukedchat

20:31 nickotkdIV#ukedchat 6 weeks hol depends on situation. somepeople love the time to spend with families,

20:31 moreolives @ICTmagic Moving it to what? #ukedchat

20:31 urban_teacher

The timing ofa school day depends. Sitting students for

long hours is unproductive or preparing them for testevry min isan issue. #ukedchat

20:31 coopsonia#ukedchat I'm open to changing length of terms/hols butonly if done in the interests of students - nothing yetsuggests this is the case

20:31 MissTtalks@nickotkdIV #ukedchat maybe 7/8 wk 'terms' with 2 wkshols inbetween and maybe 3/4 weeks summer...no ideaif that fits, not working it out!

20:31 ICTwitz@philallman1 I suspect the unions have greater powersin the USA!!! #ukedchat

20:31 raisechildrens@thosethatcan @nuttya10 @saltcreature #ukedchatthose sessions are important for kids raising self esteemand confidence ready for new year.

20:31 iloveholidays82@Kezmerrelda #ukedchat when talking of teachersrecharging to help stress and exhaustion managementneed to make holidays just that.

20:32 NuttyA10@raisechildrens @thosethatcan @saltcreature Imp forall. Maybe something families can do together!#ukedchat

20:32 coopsonia #ukedchat also any change must take into account

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exam season/results days and universities too

20:32 thosethatcan@GeekPeter @Saltcreature it's completely down to theschool/authority - & they make a profit which goes

against community aspect #ukedchat20:32 mrlockyer

Easter is my favourite holiday. It's the right length, I feelrecharged, and the weather is good too! #ukedchat

20:32 NuttyA10@mooshtang @janbaker97 They most def too esp nowwith stress of testing etc... We've forgotten that chnneed to be chn. #ukedchat

20:32 jamesdhobsonukhave told kids that I will be away for a fortnight "cosholidays are cheap" They are aghast.Then I tell them itsa joke.Point made #ukedchat

20:32 Iainbone1974#ukedchat I wonder if changes to the holidays wouldimprove attendance esp in those schools that arefailing!

20:32 Weezad_1#ukedchat does anyone have experience of morecontinental school day (finish around 2 with shorterbreaks) - how is st learning affected?

20:32 PeterSpencer88@mooshtang I agree maybe if it was split up, moreholidays through the year and less in summer#ukedchat

20:32 Kezmerrelda#ukedchat as a teacher with own school age children Ilove that I get to spend time with them in holidays tomake things, ride bikes, talk!

20:32 nickotkdIV#ukedchat some just see it as a little to long away fromwork!

20:32 AliceBakesCakes@terr1_leigh That's what I think, by Friday I'll have atleast 5 or 6 of my yr 5s late as they couldn't get out ofbed! #ukedchat

20:32 ICTmagic @moreolives That's for us to discuss. #ukedchat

20:33 jamesdhobsonuk

I would give up three weeks compulsory holiday for two

weeks when I would actually like to go :) #ukedchat

20:33 DexNott#ukedchat Nottingham city have planned a 5term yr 5x8with 2 hol between+4 in summer . Much oppositionamongst teachers

20:33 raisechildrens#ukedchat I think that maybe each key stage shouldhave staggered opening times, might be easier forresource sharing too..

20:33 nickotkdIV@MissTtalks they say 5/6 terms of 7/8 weeks with 2weeks off between each, 4 off for the summer.

#ukedchat

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20:33 nightzookeeper@Saltcreature @super_sixfive sounds great, encouragethe wider community to run clubs, could make budgetavail for this? #ukedchat

20:33 mikematthewsCDN

@mattbritland @moreolives I can't remember the last

time I didn't work more than I rested during anyholiday...#govetimesheet #ukedchat

20:33 vacationrobinShaz_Yu (Shazia Yusaf)RT @Shaz_Yu #ukedchat

Advantage of random term dates, is how cheap holidaypackages are! http://t.co/rBLQuIQR

20:34 urban_teacherYou may notice at your own school that studentsproductivity drops after a few weeks in school. Moreshort breaks may be required! #ukedchat

20:34 Iainbone1974

@Kezmerrelda #ukedchat totally agree as I have

children and the time spent is precious. See so little ofthem during term time!

20:34 rachel_ireland@PeterAllen1 @ukedchat I employed Non teachingstaff on term time + 10 days to allow for additionalresourcing. #edchat

20:34 terr1_leighlooking at school term dates for next year the first termlooks set to be 7 1/2 weeks! too long for the 4 year olds

just starting #ukedchat

20:34 coopsonia#ukedchat hol companies already have huge price hikesin school hols - this wd b worse if any shorter=morechildren taken out during term

20:34 brynllRT @urban_teacher: The time a student spends inschool is not the issue! Its their desire, determination tosucceed is the major issue. #Complacency #ukedchat

20:34 Saltcreature@nightzookeeper @super_sixfive Big society etc.#ukedchat

20:34 philallman1 @DexNott Why is that? Do you agree? #ukedchat

20:34 BenRogersOVART @Saltcreature: @super_sixfive The school shouldbe open longer for other stuff not necessarily theteachers teaching. #ukedchat

20:35 ClaireJoanneICT@nickotkdIV not too bad but 8 week 'terms' alwaysseem really long!! #ukedchat

20:35 moreolivesChildren get tired too. They need to recharge theirbatteries as well #ukedchat Private system has evenlonger holidays.

20:35 philallman1@Iainbone1974 @Kezmerrelda our kids would agreewith that too mind you! #ukedchat

20:35 NuttyA10

@terr1_leigh There needs to be a better balance

definitely. A radical rethink of term lengths. #ukedchat

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20:35 Iainbone1974@mrlockyer #ukedchat the weather has not been sogreat this year :-/

20:35 thosethatcan@raisechildrens @nuttya10 @saltcreature I'd like to seea model where young people coach and community

leaders supervise #ukedchat

20:35 super_sixfiveRT @MissTtalks: @nickotkdIV sounds good to me!Things don't have to stay the sand just because that'show they've always been #ukedchat

20:35 mrlockyer@nightzookeeper It does seem a shame we haveenormous empty vessels in our buildings for 1/4 of ayear. #ukedchat

20:35 nickotkdIVRT @terr1_leigh: looking at school term dates for nextyear the first term looks set to be 7 1/2 weeks! too long

for the 4 year olds just starting #ukedchat20:35 philallman1

@norfolkshine which is my point - 2 weeks would havemade it manageable. #ukedchat

20:36 philallman1It is against trade description though to have 7 1/2 wksfor a half term and 4wks in another! #ukedchat

20:36 moreolives#ukedchat Why are we all taking part in this edchat at8.40 on a holiday evening? Teachers need forcing tostop sometimes

20:36 NuttyA10@raisechildrens @thosethatcan @saltcreature It doesindeed which is a big problem & often stops this sort ofthing. #ukedchat

20:36 GeekPeter@thosethatcan @saltcreature #ukedchat or it is a truecommunity school by making its facilities usable by thelocal community?

20:36 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat Nottingham feel it will helppoorer families who struggle over longer hol plus hadsom ev fm US on learning losd

20:36 mbrayford #ukedchat kids so tired after 7 weeks in school

20:37 Mando_Commando@mrlockyer @nightzookeeper #ukedchat Schools needtime without pupils to carry out enhancements andmaintenance not possible during term.

20:37 super_sixfive#ukedchat northern Ireland schools have a really longsummer holiday, around 8 weeks and they arerecognised as the best education in uk

20:37 miconmDo we know what parents want & with advent ofacademies is a shorter summer/different terms feasible#ukedchat

20:37 urban_teacher Warning! Longer school days requires extra resources,

longer teaching hours, Less parent responsibility,

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greater demands #ukedchat

20:37 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat personally opposed. 1 of the 2wk in May secondary full of exams plus big prob asCounty has diff hols

20:37 NuttyA10#ukedchat Surely we could have a radical rethink ofterm lengths to balance things out.

20:37 ICTwitz@mbrayford Is that because we are trying to cram TOOmuch within the school day/week/term though?#ukedchat

20:37 brynllNeed to carefully consider needs of children who attendmosque after school. Long days. Like us, they need timeto be themselves #ukedchat

20:37 philallman1@DexNott and you? if you can say, if not dm me ;)#ukedchat

20:37 jensarossRT @nightzookeeper: @Saltcreature @super_sixfivesounds great, encourage the wider community to runclubs, could make budget avail for this? #ukedchat

20:37 mrlockyerFive weeks is a really nice length. You could havealmost eight of those and keep the same holiday time#ukedchat

20:37 itsmisschandler

RT @jamesdhobsonuk: have told kids that I will be away

for a fortnight "cos holidays are cheap" They areaghast.Then I tell them its a joke.Point made #ukedchat

20:37 jensarossRT @nickotkdIV: @MissTtalks they say 5/6 terms of 7/8weeks with 2 weeks off between each, 4 off for thesummer. #ukedchat

20:37 miconmI've seen a suggestion that some parents prefer longersummer as 2 weeks in feb/oct harder & costlier tooccupy children... #ukedchat

20:38 ICTwitz

@moreolives For me, it's because I can offload with like-

minded people #ukedchat

20:38 essjaydoubleyouAlso at same Academy as @Shaz_Yu we have doubletraining days every 8 wks on average, keeps us inspiredat let's students recharge #ukedchat

20:38 philallman1Whn I was growing up Whitsun break was 2 wks forprimaries and 5 weeks in summer. Secs had 1 week atWhitsun b/c of exams #ukedchat

20:38 alexgingellAs long as the learning is engaging, exciting andempowering for children, does it matter what time we

are actually in school? #ukedchat

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20:38 NuttyA10@terr1_leigh I agree with you there. Chn don't cope &need the holidays to recuperate too. Radical rethink'sneeded. More balance. #ukedchat

20:38 raisechildrens @thosethatcan @nuttya10 @saltcreature

20:38 mrlockyer Private system may have longer holidays, but longercontact hours each day ;-) #ukedchat

20:38 MrMuntonImportant everyone is alert and ready to work from thefirst minute of the school day. Perhaps early includingsome exercise? #ukedchat

20:38 jensarossRT @Iainbone1974: #ukedchat I wonder if changes tothe holidays would improve attendance esp in thoseschools that are failing!

20:38 nickotkdIVRT @NuttyA10: #ukedchat Surely we could have a

radical rethink of term lengths to balance things out.

20:39 NuttyA10In secondary school I had 8 weeks summer holiday yetchn achieved over & above. What's happened now?#ukedchat

20:39 SteveThursby@NuttyA10 We should do, after all this is the 21stcentury and current system is for a bygone age. As isthe building design. #ukedchat

20:39 brynll@moreolives Was just thinking the same...AFTER Itweeted, ha! #ukedchat

20:39 HilaryNunns RT @moreolives: #ukedchat Why are we all taking partin this edchat at 8.40 on a holiday evening? Teachersneed forcing to stop sometimes

20:39 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat 1/2 I also feel city does gdactivity in summer for children (ironically) and many willstop as are supported by vol

20:39 jensarossRT @Saltcreature: @super_sixfive The school shouldbe open longer for other stuff not necessarily theteachers teaching. #ukedchat

20:39 miconmWe can't guarantee uniformity of holidays in a localauthority area let alone neighbouring boroughs & that'llbe hard on everyone #ukedchat

20:40 MrTomtheTeacher@alexgingell #ukedchat It does if time affects children'slearning. Teenagers do better with late starts, evidencesuggests.

20:40 brynll@raisechildrens But where would that leave familieswith children in different KS? #ukedchat

20:40 mattbritland@mikematthewsCDN @chiko_tc @moreolives#ukedchat They will learn the stresses when they do the

job themselves.

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20:40 PeterSpencer88@MrMunton also, afternoons can be a struggle for somechildren (& teachers), how about a siesta in the middleof the day? #ukedchat

20:40 jensaross

RT @Saltcreature: @NuttyA10 @thosethatcan

#ukedchat True, adult learning and extra curricularactivities for all who want it.

20:40 philallman1@DexNott this is the problem all would need to fall inline or it will cause chaos. #ukedchat

20:40 NuttyA10@elspeths59 @SteveThursby Appears to be makesense but all would have to fall in line to make it work.#ukedchat

20:40 soos24@super_sixfive #ukedchat this is the thing, it's not theterm times and holidays that are the problem with our

system

20:40 DexNott. @philallman1 #ukedchat volunteers fm school staff (t+non t) who won't give up time from a 4wk summer butdo fm 6

20:40 Mando_Commando@coopsonia Counsellors in Nottingham havecompletely overlooked exams with their half-baked planfor 5 term year. #ukedchat

20:40 ICTmagicCould there ever be 24 hour school? Save of buildingnew school? #ukedchat

20:40 AliceBakesCakes@MrMunton Some of my class go to a cross countryclub before school - so much more motivated at 9amthan the others! #ukedchat

20:40 jensarossRT @MissTtalks: @nickotkdIV #ukedchat maybe 7/8 wk'terms' with 2 wks hols inbetween and maybe 3/4 weekssummer...no idea if that fits, not working it out!

20:41 essjaydoubleyou @moreolives some of us are not on holiday! #ukedchat

20:41 mikematthewsCDN@mattbritland @chiko_tc @moreolives Which will neverhappen...so never then. #sobberingthought #ukedchat

20:41 jensarossRT @nickotkdIV: RT @NuttyA10 @norfolkshine indeed!if we had 5 terms they would never be more that 6weeks long! with always 2 weeks off! #ukedchat

20:41 Shaz_YuRT @alexgingell: As long as the learning is engaging,exciting and empowering for children, does it matterwhat time we are actually in school? #ukedchat

20:41 raisechildrens @moreolives #ukedchat excellent point!

20:41 philallman1@DexNott #ukedchat this is the wider issue too! Noeasy answers!

20:41 jensaross RT @NuttyA10: @thosethatcan @Saltcreature Would

also show that learning isn't just classroom based.

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#ukedchat

20:41 raisechildrens@GeekPeter @thosethatcan @saltcreature #ukedchatoften schools go where the money is, community isn't

always a priority, usually NHS confs!

20:42 chris__barras@SteveThursby #ukedchat I agree it should be changedand based on evidence of what is best for pupils notteachers or parents!

20:42 thosethatcanRT @GeekPeter: @thosethatcan @saltcreature#ukedchat or it is a true community school by making itsfacilities usable by the local community?

20:42 MarieWallace7RT @alexgingell: As long as the learning is engaging,exciting and empowering for children, does it matterwhat time we are actually in school? #ukedchat

20:42 MrMunton@ClaireJoanneICT longer... The one we're currently inis 10 :) We also have a training and planning inset everyterm, which help #ukedchat

20:42 raisechildrens@alexgingell #ukedchat what a fantastic attitude! If thekids are loving the learning they'll go in day and night!

20:42 TaffTykeC@ianaddison @nickotkdIV I personally find 6 weeks istoo long AND the kids take even more time to get up tospeed again in Sept #ukedchat

20:42 iloveholidays82@alexgingell #ukedchat very true but they wont needempowering if they rarely have free time to explore, playand be creative for themselves

20:42 NuttyA10RT @ICTwitz: The whole school day routine / schoolterm issue needs a complete re-think, with the pupils atthe heart of the debate #ukedchat

20:42 ICTwitzThe whole school day routine / school term issue needsa complete re-think, with the pupils at the heart of thedebate #ukedchat

20:42 DexNott

.@philallman1 #ukedchat For me v bothered as I (&lots

staff) v busy for GCSE &A AS results abt 2 wks work forfew but 2days in2 wks others

20:43 philallman1@chris__barras @SteveThursby not much realevidence around though from what I've seen! #ukedchat

20:43 raisechildrens @brynll #ukedchat you raise a good point...

20:43 Mando_Commando@miconm #ukedchat #Nottingham LA will have a verymixed economy in 2013 if they plough ahead with 5 termyear. This will be difficult.

20:43 alexgingell

@MrTomtheTeacher I think it's individual too though - a

good time for some could be a bad time for others? notsure? #ukedchat

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20:43 Iainbone1974@PeterSpencer88 where would they go for the siesta?Schools with attendance issues could struggle gettingthem back in!! #ukedchat

20:43 NuttyA10

@TaffTykeC @ianaddison @nickotkdIV Is partly the

prob tchrs getting up to speed or starting off slow?#ukedchat

20:43 nickotkdIVRT @ICTwitz: The whole school day routine / schoolterm issue needs a complete re-think, with the pupils atthe heart of the debate #ukedchat

20:43 DexNott. @philallman1 #ukedchat which cuts our hols to a 2wkwindow . Lots other pts too. Our older student do wk expor vol work in 'long' sum

20:44 AliceBakesCakes

And what would the children prefer? Surely giving them

the power to change things would help them 'buy in' toany changes? #ukedchat

20:44 alexgingell@iloveholidays82 maybe it's a rethink in terms ofcurriculum we need then? #ukedchat

20:44 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat many E European families egPoles travel home. I think families will end up just takingkids out then school

20:44 terr1_leighRT @ICTwitz: The whole school day routine / schoolterm issue needs a complete re-think, with the pupils atthe heart of the debate #ukedchat

20:44 ICTwitzThink we need to set up a #ukedchat 'free school'!

Anyone interested? ;-)

20:45 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat school will find attendancelowered (staff=what to teach?) and the next yr evenworse

20:45 MrTomtheTeacher@alexgingell #ukedchat True, but broad age groupsseem to have diff needs. Early starts in primary mightget kids to bed earlier, too ;-)

20:45 lewissmallwood#ukedchat what about online teaching available 24/7 livea video blog?

20:45 philallman1@DexNott what a mess! #ukedchat really not thoughtthrough all round. Has to be collective or not at all!

20:45 alexgingell @raisechildrens exactly! :-) #ukedchat

20:45 Vivienne17@miconm #ukedchat long school hols are expensivenightmare and ESP difficult for working parents. Agreeschools don't synchronise hols.

20:45 thosethatcanRT @raisechildrens: @thosethatcan @nuttya10@saltcreature

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20:45 smurfatik@NuttyA10 total holiday 12 weeks and two weeks ofschool time are teacher work days so no students - wesplit the yr into 2 terms #ukedchat

20:45 TaffTykeC

RT @chris__barras: @SteveThursby #ukedchat I agree

it should be changed and based on evidence of what isbest for pupils not teachers or parents!

20:45 Saltcreature@PeterSpencer88 @mrmunton The Spanish modelmeans many businesses and schools close for two hrlunch. #ukedchat

20:45 philallman1RT @ICTwitz: Think we need to set up a #ukedchat'free school'! Anyone interested? ;-)< we wont have aprob getting an adviser ;)

20:45 ICTmagicDo you think that virtual learning could ever replace

schools? Just have tutors? #ukedchat20:46 alexgingell

@MrTomtheTeacher :-) I'm sure parents would be okwith that! ;-) #ukedchat

20:46 smurfatik@NuttyA10 sure - the kids here have lots of break timebetween lessons too, socially & emotionally much better#ukedchat

20:46 NuttyA10@AliceBakesCakes @Saltcreature @PeterSpencer88@mrmunton #ukedchat

20:46 MissRead10@ICTmagic #ukedchat If this is the case, I wouldn't beas "qualified" as I am and am finding OU study veryhard for a Masters. Ppl need ppl

20:46 NuttyA10@smurfatik That does sound interesting. What do yourterm times look like? #ukedchat

20:46 AliceBakesCakes@Saltcreature @PeterSpencer88 @mrmunton I believeit's the same in France - not sure parents would supportit though! #ukedchat

20:46 raisechildrens@AliceBakesCakes #ukedchat I was just thinking that!Has anyone done whole school questionnaires to askthis? What were the results?

20:46 essjaydoubleyouA colleague informed me of a school - I forget where -which allows students & teachers to 'book' holidayduring term? Any ideas? #ukedchat

20:47 ICTmagicRT @alexgingell: @MrTomtheTeacher :-) I'm sureparents would be ok with that! ;-) #ukedchat

20:47 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat final pt for moment- will provediff for local employers to let ppl with familyhave hol insummer 4wk window.

20:47 thosethatcan @ICTmagic absolutely not - just as social networking

will never replace actual real face to face

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communication. #ukedchat

20:47 urban_teacherVirtual learning is rapidly taking over the way we learn,but it can not replace passion, emotion anddetermination. #ukedchat

20:47 Carlsberg40@smurfatik @ICTmagic interesting! We tend to spendthe first week doing teacher stuff in classrooms.#ukedchat

20:47 theprofspage@ICTmagic Only if it's videoconferencing with some sortof teacher. I think teachers will always be needed tofacilitate learning. #ukedchat

20:47 nickotkdIVhttp://t.co/xCm5Xln6 see for more details about 5 termyear! #ukedchat

20:47 NuttyA10@smurfatik That seems where we're lacking, emotionalmaturity which does suggest we haven't got it right.#ukedchat

20:47 ICTmagicRT @Mando_Commando: #ukedchat I have nothingagainst the 5 term yr in principle but it has 2 be adoptednationally 2 be successful and I can't see it happening.

20:47 Saltcreature@AliceBakesCakes @peterspencer88 @mrmuntonMaybe but it's a whole cultural change. #ukedchat

20:47 MrTomtheTeacher

@ICTmagic #ukedchat Maybe for more independent

learners, but not a primary age. So much socialisationdone in group interactions

20:47 JWEducation#ukedchat 4 day weeks and shorter holiday = less tiredchildren+staff. No more long holidays for parents justchildcare every Fri - discuss!

20:47 nickotkdIV#ukedchat under the new system we would have 5terms of 7/8 weeks then 2 weeks off and then 1 4 weeksummer hol.

20:47 philallman1

@DexNott I can see your attendance crashing!

#ukedchat

20:48 moreolivesDo we really think that changing the school day or yearwould have a dramatic effect on T&L? #ukedchat

20:48 Mando_Commando#ukedchat Early starts are difficult for schools that needbuses for pupils. Rural/faith schools. Long days are hardfor young pupils.

20:48 snack_addict@nickotkdIV: #ukedchat under the new system wewould have 5 terms of 7/8 weeks then 2 weeks off andthen 1 4 week summer hol. please God no

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20:48 NuttyA10RT @JWEducation: #ukedchat 4 day weeks and shorterholiday = less tired children+staff. No more longholidays for parents just childcare every Fri - discuss!

20:48 raisechildrens@brynll #ukedchat still thinking about staggered key

stage opening times, love a challenge ;0)

20:48 smurfatik@NuttyA10 next year August 8 (students August 21st Ithink) until December for term 1, Jan - Jun for term 2#ukedchat

20:48 Paddymcgrath#ukedchat surely length of holiday should be based onschool context. High deprevation = less holidays

20:48 ICTmagicRT @MrTomtheTeacher: @ICTmagic #ukedchat Maybefor more independent learners, but not a primary age.So much socialisation done in group interactions

20:48 MissTtalks @nickotkdIV I really think this would work...why do weneed 6 weeks?! #ukedchat

20:48 philallman1 @JWEducation now that is radical!!! #ukedchat

20:49 alexgingell@ICTmagic I also think in many ways it kind of has. Lotsof ch teaching themselves and each other online already#ukedchat

20:49 ClaireJoanneICT@MrMunton So do you find this works ok having suchlong 'terms'? #ukedchat

20:49 jamesdhobsonuk

RT @JWEducation: #ukedchat 4 day weeks and shorter

holiday = less tired children+staff. No more longholidays for parents just childcare every Fri - discuss!

20:49 nwinton@NuttyA10 John Hattie (Visible Learning) has shownthat the long holidays do have a negative on attainment.#ukedchat

20:49 raisechildrens@JWEducation #ukedchat youthwork/communityinput/children's workshops on a Friday- whoop!

20:49 NuttyA10 @smurfatik Seems fairer in terms of balance. #ukedchat

20:49 alexgingell@ICTmagic there's a great book that imagines a 'future'like that...can't remember the name though - @ethinkingmight? #ukedchat

20:49 nickotkdIVRT @JWEducation: #ukedchat 4 day weeks and shorterholiday = less tired children+staff. No more longholidays for parents just childcare every Fri - discuss!

20:49 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat my OH always found it hard toget 2wk with me from 5 partners needin sch hol in6 wkwell now from 4wk

20:49 PeterSpencer88@AliceBakesCakes @Saltcreature @MrMunton I wouldsupport a nice little nap in the middle of the day!

#ukedchat

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20:49 nickotkdIV

RT @snack_addict: @nickotkdIV: #ukedchat underthe new system we would have 5 terms of 7/8 weeksthen 2 weeks off and then 1 4 week summerhol. please God no

20:49 iloveholidays82#ukedchat would be great if there was more time forclubs and activities before school- start the day withsomething self chosen

20:50 alexgingell@iloveholidays82 yeah - I'm worried it'll be a step in thewrong direction but we'll see! #ukedchat

20:50 MrTomtheTeacher@Paddymcgrath #ukedchat What about longer terms forunderperforming schools? There's an incentive to getthe SATs results up! #notserious

20:50 NuttyA10

@nwinton But appears to be limited evidence shown for

that & not really conclusive in my recent research.#ukedchat

20:50 Rachel_deSouzaRT @Saltcreature: #ukedchat Schools should havelonger 'opening hours' to make good use of the space,especially for the community.

20:50 TaffTykeC@brynll Suppose it's what's best for kids.Rechargeenergy vs continued motivation to learn eg kids whowatch TV etc all holiday #ukedchat

20:50 smurfatik@Carlsberg40 schools I worked in in UK only gave us 1or 2 days before the kids started & normally full ofmeetings & INSET #ukedchat

20:50 philallman1@Paddymcgrath really?! Social engineering - 'well youcant really afford it anyway so you'll only be rioting?'#ukedchat

20:50 ICTmagicIs there a better pattern of breaks for the school day?#ukedchat

20:51 thosethatcan@ICTmagic this topic of summer holidays will be backon the agenda soon enough as we approachanniversary of #ukriots #ukedchat

20:51 MissRead10#ukedchat I think an afternoon break should extend intoKS2. Some children need 10 -15 mins of fresh air tohelp focus and concentration

20:51 Saltcreature@ICTmagic School day would be great if practicalsubjects were in afternoon and most lessons were b4lunch. #ukedchat

20:51 philallman1@NuttyA10 @nwinton the ONLY study referred to isHattie which frankly shows the limitations of theresearch! #ukedchat

20:51 NuttyA10 @moreolives Indeed. #ukedchat

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20:51 virkjay@nickotkdIV This can only work if all LA convert allaltogether. #ukedchat

20:51 DexNott.@philallman1 #ukedchat staff v unhappy as hol overlapin part therefore costs go up.LA argue no diff to most

people. Nott Unns will strike20:51 moreolives @NuttyA10 or to the private sector #ukedchat

20:51 nwintonRT @NuttyA10: @nwinton But appears to be limitedevidence shown for that & not really conclusive in myrecent research. #ukedchat

20:52 norfolkshine@MissRead10 Couldn't agree with this more! When Ihad KS2 we had an "informal" fruit break at 2.15pm#ukedchat

20:52 MarieWallace7

RT @ICTwitz: The whole school day routine / school

term issue needs a complete re-think, with the pupils atthe heart of the debate #ukedchat

20:52 DexNott.@coopsonia @philallman1 #ukedchat A problem whichI think will be progressively worse as pupils say "notgetting proper lessons" anyway

20:52 PeterSpencer88@norfolkshine @AliceBakesCakes @Saltcreature@MrMunton sounds perfect, can't beat a good nap!#ukedchat

20:52 TaffTykeC@NuttyA10 @ianaddison @nickotkdIV A valid pointdespite transition etc etc (unless you go up with yourclass I guess) #ukedchat

20:53 DexNott.@coopsonia @philallman1 #ukedchat one local schhas this 5x8 term some staff like it fell they get properbreaks some quite cheap

20:53 Paddymcgrath

RT @MrTomtheTeacher: @Paddymcgrath #ukedchatWhat about longer terms for underperforming schools?There's an incentive to get the SATs results up!#notserious

20:53 brynll@raisechildrens Well these are indeed challengingtimes. Remember, a stag is for life, not just forChristmas. #ukedchat

20:53 urban_teacherteenagers have a tendency toward later bedtimes andrise times. Most high schools in the UK have earlymorning start times. #ukedchat

20:53 Paddymcgrath@philallman1 #ukedchat i would not trivialise the point.Surely its about provision

20:53 NuttyA10@TaffTykeC @ianaddison @nickotkdIV Or if possibletchrs take on new class before summer? #ukedchat

20:53 alexgingell @ethinking @ictmagic in place of schools - that's the

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one! #ukedchat

20:54 NuttyA10@nwinton A point I've argued many times. Learning isabout skills for life not just about school. #ukedchat

20:54 Saltcreature @urban_teacher Could have staggered starts for theteaching day based on year group. #ukedchat

20:54 MarieWallace7RT @JWEducation: #ukedchat 4 day weeks and shorterholiday = less tired children+staff. No more longholidays for parents just childcare every Fri - discuss!

20:54 philallman1@ethinking @NuttyA10 @nwinton now that is a muchdeeper issue which would need more than a discussionabout holidays! #ukedchat

20:54 NuttyA10@ethinking @nwinton @philallman1 Yep very valid verydeep question. Learning isn't just about schooling.#ukedchat

20:54 chris__barras@philallman1 @SteveThursby #ukedchat currentholidays and management of schools designed for 19thcentury takes no account of 21 century

20:54 LeonardJamesUK@MissTtalks @nickotkdIV Why do we need 4 weeks?Why not 3 weeks? #ukedchat

20:54 philallman1@Paddymcgrath I wasn't. The premise stands true - topenalise because of context is madness and sociallydivisive. #ukedchat

20:55 ICTmagicRT @urban_teacher: teenagers have a tendency towardlater bedtimes and rise times. Most high schools in theUK have early morning start times. #ukedchat

20:55 Paddymcgrath@philallman1 #ukedchat I think it was the riots bit. Idon't see education as penalising anyone

20:55 snack_addict@nickotkdIV it'll be interesting to see if it has much of aneffect. I'd like a later start to school day.Our 1st lesson is8:35am #ukedchat

20:55 soos24

@NuttyA10 @moreolives #ukedchat so why are we so

different?

20:55 nickotkdIV@LeonardJamesUK @MissTtalks 4 weeks seem towork out #ukedchat

20:55 norfolkshine@PeterSpencer88 @AliceBakesCakes @Saltcreature@MrMunton I went to schl in France for a term when Iwas 9. We used to do the same #ukedchat

20:55 ukedchat Last 5 minutes of #ukedchat. Final thoughts?

20:56 Mando_Commando@Saltcreature @ictmagic #ukedchat practical subjectsin the afternoons? Ever taught low ability PE/Music 2

pupils who are 2 tired to focus?

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20:56 thosethatcan@urban_teacher most jobs have early starts &increasingly later end times. One facet of teens lifeshould fit this pattern surely? #ukedchat

20:56 NuttyA10

@philallman1 @ethinking @nwinton Current system

appears outdated & needs a radical overhaul.#ukedchat

20:56 nickotkdIV @snack_addict what time start and finish? #ukedchat

20:56 NuttyA10@soos24 @moreolives Good question to ask & maybea bigger prob rather than term lengths and learning loss.#ukedchat

20:56 miconm@Paddymcgrath won't that mean schools remain verydivided? #ukedchat

20:56 ICTmagicRT @MissRead10: @norfolkshine #ukedchat KS2 don't

get fruit either . I wish it did continue.

20:56 DexNott#ukedchat Interesting our County (Notts) rejected theCity hol pattern mainly because the county has 5LAneighbours and diff patterns =chaos

20:57

NuttyA10@ethinking Earlier discussion suggested that in terms ofcommunity care & learning not schooling. #ukedchat

20:57 ICTmagic

RT @norfolkshine: @PeterSpencer88@AliceBakesCakes @Saltcreature @MrMunton I wentto schl in France for a term when I was 9. We used to dothe same #ukedchat

20:57 MrTomtheTeacher#ukedchat work school days around children's naturalrhythms. Early starts for primary, later starts forsecondary.

20:57 soos24@NuttyA10 @moreolives #ukedchat I agree, we don'tdo anything in term times very different from othercountries who are apparently doing gd!

20:57 Paddymcgrath@miconm #ukedchat very true. But I'm not sure thatanything that previously or currently being done to getrid of divide

20:57 norfolkshine@MissRead10 My old sch gave the KS2 choice ofspending funding on fruit or something else (can'tremember what). They chose fruit #ukedchat

20:57 stevenmaxsonRT @ICTwitz: The whole school day routine / schoolterm issue needs a complete re-think, with the pupils atthe heart of the debate #ukedchat

20:57 raisechildrens@philallman1 @jweducation I love this idea- Fridayscould be for youthwork/community investment/input &various creative sessions #ukedchat

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20:57 ethinking#ukedchat holidays? That misses the point. School frm830 to 5pm - childcare done properly - focussedinterventions around outstanding play

20:57 ukedchatAre you interested in hosting #ukedchat? Send a tweet

my way.

20:58 ethinking#ukedchat how much authentic learning per day perchild in the current nonsensical 'school day' I wouldargue its minutes per day- not hours

20:58 MrTomtheTeacher@norfolkshine @PeterSpencer88 @AliceBakesCakes@Saltcreature @MrMunton #ukedchat Long lunchbreaks here in Norway - 90 mins. Works well here

20:58 stevenmaxsonRT @philallman1: The learning loss issue is not the keyfor me - staff illness & energy is. 2wks Oct & 2wks Feb

would reduce that. #ukedchat

20:58 mikallaaneWill MPs have a shorter summer holiday then & willParliament have a break for 2 weeks during Oct & Feband only a 3 week summer #ukedchat

20:58 DexNott#ukedchat hol pattern preferences may vary urban/ruralPrimary/secondary etc BUT to work effectively has to becompromise and nat pattn

20:58 NuttyA10@soos24 @moreolives So need to look at the widerissues possibly. #ukedchat

20:58 virkjay@nickotkdIV Feel sorry for the families if they live /workin Notts County. LA really need to be more joined up intheir thinking#ukedchat

20:58 stevenmaxson@ICTmagic What about the other way around?Research shows teenagers work better later. Schoolday starting at 10am, anyone? #ukedchat

20:58 thosethatcanRT @raisechildrens: @philallman1 @jweducation I lovethis idea- Fridays could be for youthwork/communityinvestment/input & various creative sessions #ukedchat

20:58 JonnyZander@ukedchat would be interested in hosting one onparent engagement

20:58 ukedchatJoin @jamesmichie next week to discuss Startingwith a blank piece of paper: Design the school of yourdreams. #ukedchat

20:58 norfolkshine@MissRead10 #ukedchat I noticed a huge difference inproductivity in the afternoons on the days we did get afruit break.

20:58 ethinking#ukedchat less whole class 'teaching&learning'(oxymoron) more grouped interventions

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20:59 raisechildrens@ukedchat @jamesmichie did that a few months withdisengaged young people. Amazing results, can't wait toshare :0)

20:59 Paddymcgrath@philallman1 #ukedchat don't entirely agree think if

provision is good enough won't breed resentment20:59 philallman1

@ethinking so perhaps we need a complete curriculumoverhaul too? #ukedchat

20:59 Saltcreature@Mando_Commando @ictmagic True it's not a perfectmodel but I suggested most lessons before lunch,thetired situation is avoided. #ukedchat

20:59 LeonardJamesUK@chris__barras @philallman1 @SteveThursbyShouldn't we be thinking of the 22nd century now?#ukedchat

20:59 itsmisschandler @ukedchat not much from me tonight but interested inhosting #ukedchat

20:59 stevenmaxsonRT @ICTwitz: Think we need to set up a #ukedchat'free school'! Anyone interested? ;-)

20:59 nickotkdIV@virkjay very true. I can see the benefits but i think itneed to be a country wide approach like you said#ukedchat.

20:59 stevenmaxsonRT @iEducator: Flipped and Flipped Out AboutClassroom Learning http://t.co/Lbq6mIXz /via@guywwallace #edchat #ukedchat #education

20:59 miconm@Paddymcgrath is it still not best done with good qualityextended provision? Given aligning holidays is not goingto be easy? #ukedchat

20:59 NuttyA10@nwinton @snack_addict @nickotkdIV Many teensstruggle with appearing before 11 so makes sense.#ukedchat

21:00 Saltcreature@Mando_Commando @ictmagic I recently observed ina school which had 35 min lessons and the focus andprogress was fab. #ukedchat

21:00 philallman1@LeonardJamesUK @chris__barras @SteveThursby IfONLY!! #ukedchat

21:00 ICTwitz @mikallaane Very valid and good point #ukedchat

21:00 kanda_hh@ukedchat Anyone know the best place to go toconvert a youtube video into wmv? #ukedchat

21:00 nwinton@NuttyA10 @philallman1 @ethinking We are trying todo this in Scotland, but it's difficult. #ukedchat

21:00 thosethatcanRT @ICTwitz: Think we need to set up a #ukedchat'free school'! Anyone interested? ;-)

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21:00 nickotkdIVRT @ukedchat: It's 9pm & #ukedchat must close oncemore. Thanks to @ICTmagic for hosting. The archivewill be available soon at http://t.co/3zgV3dGh

21:00 miconm@DexNott national pattern key but impossible to

implement now surely? #ukedchat

21:00 ukedchatIt's 9pm & #ukedchat must close once more. Thanks to@ICTmagic for hosting. The archive will be availablesoon at http://t.co/3zgV3dGh

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Documents

Archive Session 93