QUESTION 1- When should we begin our academic year?

Staff felt the early roll forward was worthwhile for a number of reasons: -

• good use of otherwise 'wasted' time for Y9 particularly
• cuts down behaviour issues, particularly after options chosen
• enables pupils and staff to meet and prepare for new KS4 courses
• staff preparation for September reduced
• smooth beginning to new academic year

Action Points:-

• Academic year to roll forward early.
• The consensus was that this should take place at May half term.
• Protection of Y11 revision time where necessary to be built in i.e. for late exams (technology)

The timetable for Academic Year Roll forward to 2009-10 would be:-

• Finalised curriculum plan/ provisional timetables to staff by 24/04/09 (4 weeks before roll forward)
• Finalised timetables to staff by 08/05/09 (2 weeks before roll forward)
• Roll forward 01/06/09

Other related ideas generated (to be investigated/ developed by PEW/REF):-

• Possibility of an extended KS4 e.g. roll forward in Y9 
• Different pathways for each Key stage