Pupils at an Angus secondary are being told they will be in the classroom for two days a week when they go back in August.
A new-look timetable revealed for Carnoustie High School has junior and senior years alternating on two days each week from Monday to Thursday, with Friday remaining blocked off for home learning or teaching of specific groups.
Pupils are due to return to the school on August 12, with the rest of that week involving staggered induction sessions to guide pupils through how the new arrangements will operate.
In a letter to parents, Carnoustie High head teacher Donald Currie said: “We are mindful of the very diverse experiences of our young people over the period of lockdown and while we want to get back to normal class learning as quickly as possible, the wellbeing of our young people will be our first priority as we return.
Pupils from S1-3 will attend Monday/Tuesday and then Wednesday/Thursday on alternate weeks.
S4/5/6 youngsters will be in school Wed/Thurs and Mon/Tues on alternate weeks.
First-year children will be taught in “home rooms”, with teachers moving from class to class.
Mr Currie said the younger years will follow a normal seven-period structure, while senior pupils receive three two-hour teaching blocks.
“This arrangement minimises movements around school and gives a similar amount of subject teaching as our normal timetable,” he said.
Mr Currie said all pupils will be expected to remain on the school premises for the entire day and have either a school or packed lunch.
“We hope to make school seem as normal as possible and so expect normal school uniform to be worn. Of course, we will be mindful of individual circumstances during a very difficult time for many families,” he added.
The head teacher has warned teaching in practical classes will be limited by the new set-up, particularly in subjects such as PE because changing rooms cannot be used.
“Senior classes may be asked to attend on Friday sessions to ensure practical work can be undertaken safely,” he said.
