Shortening school holidays and holding classes on Saturdays are among the options for making up learning backlogs among pupils. This was stated by Minister Dirk Currie of Onderwijs, Wetenschap en Cultuur (OWC) (Education, Science and Culture). The minister acknowledges that the adjusted school hours due to the persistent heat are affecting education.
Since October, all public schools have been closing at 12 noon because of the extreme heat. The ministry has extended this measure until 15 November. According to Currie, it is inevitable that pupils will miss part of their regular teaching time as a result. “There will be a backlog anyway, even if the school is open until 1 p.m.,” the minister said. He stressed that both pupils and teachers find it difficult to concentrate during the afternoon hours because of the high temperatures.
Situation in interior even more serious
According to Currie, conditions in the interior are even more challenging. Due to low water levels in the rivers, several areas are facing problems with water supply. Schools there are also forced to close earlier. “It is a challenge. But it is a force majeure situation, which we have to take into account,” the minister stated.
Shorter holidays and Saturday classes as possible solution
According to Currie, the ministry will have to examine how the missed teaching hours can be made up. He mentioned shortening school holidays and organising extra classes on Saturdays as possible measures. “The holidays can be shortened or classes can be held on Saturdays,” Currie said.
The minister stressed that flexibility is necessary to limit the consequences for education as much as possible. Any adjustments must, according to him, take place in consultation with school management. “We must be flexible, and this must also happen in consultation with the school management.” For now, these are possible solutions. No final decision on shortening holidays or introducing Saturday classes has been announced.
