When the Carlmont administration discussed the possibility of block scheduling, the news spread like wildfire. Students and teachers voiced their opinions, with some teachers even taking the time during class to share their thoughts.
During block schedule, the current six or seven periods are replaced with longer classes that meet fewer times per week.
“Block scheduling would give me more time to learn about subjects that I enjoy,” said sophomore Oliver Golden. “We could also do more creative projects instead of having one day homework packets, which I find are stressful and not beneficial.”
Carlmont is the only school in the district that hasn’t yet adapted to block scheduling. However, opinions remain divided on the true effects of having fewer, yet longer classes every day.
English teacher Cynthia Faupusa said, “With the block schedule, students would get more time to process and receive help on their homework. But with the current 50-minute period, I have just enough time to get students in, have them settle down, do one or two things, and get them out. And when they’re stressed, they’re less focused.”
Students and teachers experienced block scheduling during testing on the week of Oct. 26.
Math teacher Laura Robeck said, “Math should ideally be done every day. It would be hard to keep students engaged, and it could be more stressful for students because they get tired more easily and have more homework. However, different subjects require different approaches.”
Having longer and fewer classes every day means something different to every student. To Golden, it means more time for projects and less stress. But for others, it may mean missing the class they love the most.
Symphony Orchestra percussionist Jenna Williamson said, “I want to go to my favorite classes every day. My dream is to be a musician, and if I had block every day, I wouldn’t be able to play music in class. Having block scheduling once in a while such as during testing week is fun, but having it every day would be boring and tiring.”
There are many things to consider when deciding whether or not to make the permanent change to a block schedule.
Faupusa said, “This isn’t just about block schedule, this is also about the rushed nature of students’ lives. Most students nowadays are sleep deprived and stressed, and block scheduling would allow them to focus and slow down.”
