Angus teenagers will bunk off from extracurricular activities during a new half-day, it has been claimed.
Next year, the county’s secondary schools will follow a 33-period model with one shorter four-period day.
Members of the children and learning committee heard service director Margo Williamson picked Friday as the half-day following consultation with head teachers.
Schools will run from 8.50am to 3.55pm Monday to Friday, finishing at 1.25pm on a Friday.
A notional programme of activities will be provided by the Angus Alive leisure trust and in-school clubs, with full details to be hammered out in May.
But councillors heard on Tuesday that their constituents are worried about what children will do if “left to their own devices” before parents come home from work.
Councillor David Fairweather said his opposition to the shorter day was already known, and asked whether the use of Angus Alive facilities would be monitored.
He added: “Are we going to monitor how many of our schoolchildren are wandering the streets of a Friday afternoon?”
Councillor Ronnie Proctor said there was no question that teachers would benefit from any shorter hours.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt teachers work long hours outwith the working day.
“There is concern among the local community about what the children will do on a Friday afternoon.
“There is concern about children being left to their own devices.”
Convener Sheena Welsh said the decision to shorten the children’s day had “already been made.”
“We can’t go back on it,” Councillor Welsh added.
“I imagine the kids will be doing exactly the same thing on a Saturday afternoon or a Sunday afternoon.
“There will be a full report coming to the next committee which will outline what exactly the proposals are for Friday afternoon activities and we can take it from there.”
The committee heard the concept was agreed at full council on June 16, with a number of schemes set to be offered to young people.
Dundee & Angus College is considering moving academic or vocational courses to Friday.
Angus Alive is considering discounted offers to young people for Friday afternoons across sports and leisure facilities.
Voluntary Action Angus and the council will work to support and grow our young volunteers.
Consideration is being given to CV enhancement.
