Return to Four Classes a Day

The new semester brought many changes to John McCrae, the biggest one being the return to four classes a day. Last semester, students had two longer classes a day, and alternated courses each week. Students complained that the classes were too long, and that it was difficult to keep switching courses each week. So, when the Ontario government allowed schools to return to four classes a day in November, the OCDSB announced that high schools would switch back to the regular model for the second semester. It’s been a big change, but a positive one for most students.

For Grade 9 and 10 students, this schedule is completely new. Christina, a Grade 10 student, says «It's a bit strange considering it's my first time doing it, but I really enjoy it so far». She enjoys that there’s less work to cram into each say, less homework and shorter class times. Sadie, a Grade 9 student, agrees: «It's more normal and makes my high school experience feel more real». She likes that she can see her friends that she shares classes with everyday instead of every alternate week.

Grade 11 students experienced the four classes a day schedule for one semester when they were in Grade 9, but it’s been a long time since then. Aaron shares his thoughts: “I think for the most part everyone did a good job coming back to it, and days seem to go by both faster and slower at the same time”. He feels that while it was a big change, it's overall a good thing.

Sophie, a Grade 12 student, feels the same way. She says: “I prefer 4 classes a day because time passes quicker, and I have more time to digest the day’s info outside of class”. Grade 12 students have had this schedule for more time than any other grade, for all of their Grade 9 year and half of their Grade 10.

While responses to the new schedule are overall positive, some students have concerns. Ash, a Grade 11 student, as well as Aaron, feel that both teachers and students are having some trouble adjusting to shorter class times. Ash expressed concern that some students are struggling with their mental health because of the new schedule. They said that: “Many students are just flat out struggling”.

Despite some concerns, almost everyone asked believes that this schedule is better than what we had last semester. As both teachers and students readjust to having four classes a day, and as high school slowly goes back to normal, this will likely be an overall positive change at John McCrae.