Politicians are considering changes in Ireland’s schools based on the setup in Finland – but do you agree that it’s a good idea?
Are shorter school days a good idea? (Image: monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images)
Children and teenagers in Ireland should be allowed more breaks in schools and a move towards the Finnish curriculum which has shorter days, a group of TDs and Senators have said.
A recent report compiled by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education has outlined how Irish primary and secondary schools should work towards a similar curriculum to Finnish schools. In January, members of the committee, including chairperson Cathal Crowe TD, visited Finland to understand its education system.
The report noted that students are encouraged to learn “holistically” within shorter spaces of time, with value being placed on recreational time and the need to reflect and recharge at regular periods during the day. It added that Finnish schools prioritise nature and well-being by giving adequate time to PE/outdoor activities and communal school meals respectively.
In its recommendations, TDs have said that “serious consideration” needs to be given to reduce overload in both primary school and secondary curriculums.
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