Later School Start For Teenagers Brings Drop In Absenteeism

krou writes "Monkseaton High School in North Tyneside, UK, began an experiment in October that saw its 800 pupils ranging in age from 13-19 attend school an hour later than normal, at 10am. Early results indicate that 'general absence has dropped by 8% and persistent absenteeism by 27%.' Head teacher Paul Kelley supported the idea because he believed that 'it was now medically established that it was better for teenagers to start their school day later in terms of their mental and physical health and how they learn better in the afternoon', and he now claims that the children are becoming 'happier better educated teenagers' as a result of the experiment. The experiment is being overseen by Oxford neuroscience professor Russell Foster. 'He performed memory tests on pupils at the school which suggested the more difficult lessons should take place in the afternoon. He said young people's body clocks may shift as they reach their teenage years — meaning they want to get up later not because they are lazy but because they are biologically programmed to do.'"

Comments

Real World

[Linker3000]

I can appreciate the justification given for the experiment, but real working life doesn't run to that timetable, so unless there's a major shift in that respect, a lot of young adults are going to be in for a bit of a shock when they join the real world and seek employment.

Nuts!!!!

[b4upoo]

In junior high as well as high school my classes started at 7:20 am.. Since I lived about 12 miles from my school I got up at 5 am. and cooked my breakfast and drove to school. Because I worked until at least 9 Pm after school and at times until midnight by the time I studied and did my homework there were many nights I did not sleep at all.
                  So if the teens don't want to push their limits we should not wait for them to drop out. Throw them out and save everyone the bother. Education is no different than business, war or sports. If you want to survive you had best be willing to hump it.

Re:What About The Parents?

[Attila Dimedici]

Studies have repeatedly shown that 60% of teenagers who have had sex wish they had waited. So while the OP may have been giving an anecdote, there are studies to back up his main point.