A modified school year on way?

Press, 13 March 1986, Page 9

A modified school year on way?

A modified three-term school year next year is sought by the Minister of Education, Mr Marshall. He told the Canterbury Education Board yesterday that a change to a four-term year was being held up by the different lengths of the primary and secondary . school years. Primary schools must be open for 400 half-days a year, while secondary schools must be open for 380 half-days. Mr Marshall said it was understandable that* the secondary sector did not want to give up its extra

10 days holiday. He suggested that a compromise, such as a school year of 390 half-days for both the primary and secondary sectors, might have to be considered. “It seems unfortunate, to my mind, that we have developed a system that is split up,” he said. As well as standardising the school year, Mr Marshall said he would like to see both sectors controlled by the same authority, and both teaching groups covered by the same union. Further reports, page 3.