After a year of implementation, it seems the integrated education system is here to stay. As a parent of a Year 2 student, however, I find myself struggling to fully embrace it. While I understand the intentions behind the system, its practical aspects have proven to be quite stressful.
One significant challenge is the midday schedule. Having to head to school every noon to deliver lunch, only to return again at 3pm to pick up my child, adds unnecessary strain to daily routines. For working parents or those with multiple children, this schedule can be particularly challenging to manage.
Since there have been no updates or indications of a review of this system, may I propose a small but meaningful adjustment? I suggest dedicating the afternoon session (1.30pm-3pm) exclusively to religious education.
Currently, the afternoon schedule is split between religious and academic subjects, which, in my opinion, dilutes the focus on both. By consolidating the time for religious studies, students would have more dedicated hours to grasp the curriculum thoroughly.
Based on the current daily timetable, the time allocated to religious education appears insufficient, allowing students to only cover what I estimate to be a fraction of the intended curriculum.
While I appreciate the efforts made to integrate academics and religious subjects into a single system, it seems that neither is receiving the depth of focus it deserves.
A shift to a more focused structure could not only alleviate some of the scheduling burdens on parents but also ensure students receive a more comprehensive religious education. I hope this suggestion prompts a discussion about refining the system for the benefit of both students and families.
Drained dad
