Hong Kong primary schools opt for shorter classes to give pupils more time to pursue interests
- Principal at Tin Shui Wai Methodist Primary School says 30-minute cutback to class time has been ‘surprisingly welcomed’ by parents
- Reduced teaching time gives pupils more flexibility to balance homework with other interests, and eases academic pressure, according to some educators and parents
Some primary schools in Hong Kong have decided to end classes early to give pupils more time to develop their own interests, noting how children were able to pursue other activities when half-day teaching was adopted during the coronavirus pandemic.
So Ping-fai, the principal of Tin Shui Wai Methodist Primary School, one of the institutions ending classes at 2.45pm instead of 3.15pm, told the Post that parents had “surprisingly welcomed” the move.
“They think they can have more quality time with their kids and … let them have enough time for extracurricular activities,” he said. “It gives more flexibility to parents, as they can offer kids various training and learning activities, even though it is just half an hour.”
The move was inspired by the parent of a Primary One pupil who teaches at the school and said half-day classes during the pandemic had allowed his child to take part in more activities in the afternoon and have quality time with family in the evening.
Recalling a staff meeting to discuss the resumption of full-day classes in December, So said: “The teacher said his child’s schedule was fully packed after the resumption of full-day classes. He even lamented that his child did not even have any time or freedom to daydream or hang around.
“His sentiment really touched our hearts and drove us to reflect.”
The principal said the school’s management had initially worried parents would oppose the move, explaining that families might want more support in taking care of their children in relatively poor areas such as Tin Shui Wai.