iii. fave & least fave yearly

P R O S & C O N S

In their own words, we asked students to think critically and reflect about the pros and cons of the yearly system, particularly their favourite and least favourite parts.

Below are exact responses from students who completed the survey.

Academically, what is your FAVOURITE thing about the yearly system?

love having variety

only have to worry about the exams at the end of the year

not as rushed

8 different classes per day

Students love being able to do classes they enjoy every day for the whole year instead of part of the year.
Students don't get bored doing the same classes.
Have a continuous flow of many subjects and it being less intensive
Short classes mean that students don't get bored of one subject.

One exam period

Exams are always the for front of students minds. With the yearly system they only have on time period to worry about their final exam then they are over and done.

More time, less concepts per class

Shorter classes mean less concepts can be taught per class, this creates more relaxed classroom climate
Students like it because it goes slower.

Academically, what is your LEAST favourite thing about the yearly system?

A lot of students least favorite things about the yearly system tended to contradict other students favorite things about the yearly system.

More stuff to focus on

A variety of classes means more stuff to focus on at once. More assignments, test, and quizzes.
Students feel more stressed out having four due assignments from different classes
Students find it hard to keep track and do good in all 4 core subjects the entire year and believe it would be easier to have them split
Students must work hard on all subjects at once to maintain a good grade.

Least favorite classes all year

Just as students get to have their favorite subjects all year, this means they also have their least favorite classes all year.

One exam period

This means 4 exams in that one week period.

"You are slowed down when you know stuff"

Since students usually learn one concept per class, if a student understands that concept fast it is harder to advance them without them being a whole week ahead. With a 1/4 system, these students would have more time alone to work ahead.

more stuff to focus on

subjects are all year

more homework

4 finals in one week

Evidence