High schools to return to five-period schedule in 2022-23

After switching to a block format in high schools in the fall of 2020, most GSCS high schools* will be moving back to a two-semester, five-classes-per-day schedule starting in September 2022.

Recap
In the fall of 2020, as a pandemic measure to limit close contacts and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, high schools switched to a five-semester, two-class-per-day format . During the year, the Government of Saskatchewan recommended schools with over 600 students move to blended learning, alternating between in-person and online  learning days.

Starting the 2021-22 school year, high schools maintained the block format, but shifted to three classes per day over four terms (or quarters).

Feedback
Over 1,600 students, 1,100 parents/caregivers and 230 staff provided feedback through a survey. There was some variation in the positive attributes and challenges of each format depending on the audience, but themes definitely emerged.

Positive aspects of the quarter/block system include fewer classes and final exams at a time; and additional time for areas like practical and applied arts classes that require time each class to set-up/take down project work.

Challenges identified include the volume and fast pace of course work; finding it hard to keep up and catch up if days were missed; and less time to seek additional support if needed.

Positives for a five-period day include a reduced pace of learning material; more time to learn material; and more time to balance homework, extracurricular, activities and employment demands;

Challenges include more classes at a time and more final exams at the end of the semester.

Mental health and well-being of students was identified as an area of focus no matter the format chosen.

In a message to families, superintendent of learning Scott Gay stated: "We are incredibly proud of our students and staff and the work they have been doing! Our students and staff are resilient and able to adapt quickly. There is little impact on student grades or success in either schedule. Students, parents, and staff have been open to considering changes in practice. Many have appreciated the quarter system as a response to the pandemic, but recognize challenges for students and staff. Many of the advantages cited for the quarter system were based on the stress of final exams in the five-period day. This is an area we need to review. Based on this feedback, GSCS is committed to reviewing our process with final assessment format as a part of our overall approach to assessment. Many of our teachers feel that the depth of learning is more challenging for students in the shorter time frame of a quarter system and there is less opportunity for support and intervention when required. They also feel challenged by the pace of the courses and the ability to be as prepared as they would like as they seek to support students."

*Bethlehem, Bishop James Mahoney, E.D. Feehan, Holy Cross and St. Joseph will switch to two semesters, five classes per semester. Bishop Murray and Oskāyak will maintain the block format.