The ministry advises school heads and directors to use shortened lesson periods so that all subjects can be covered and learning objectives can be achieved as much as possible. In addition, it advises taking regular drinking breaks if necessary because of the high temperatures.
A mathematics teacher at a mulo school, identified by the initials S.H., understands the ministry’s decision. According to him, the heat in the classrooms is barely bearable. “Especially after the break, it really starts to get hot. The pupils then have difficulty following the lessons with concentration,” he says.
Although the teacher considers the measure necessary, he expects the shortened lesson times to affect the coverage of the curriculum. Whereas he normally has 40 minutes for a lesson, he now has to make do with only 30 minutes.
“In the lower grades, that is not really a problem, but in the fourth grades I do run short of time,” he explains. Especially in the examination classes, he needs more time to adequately guide pupils and prepare them for their school examinations (SO).
To limit the backlog as much as possible, the teacher is considering using colleagues’ lesson periods and providing additional mathematics lessons during substitute periods.
Despite the challenges posed by the adjusted school hours, he continues to support the ministry’s decision. According to him, the measure is necessary because of the persistent heat.
