Students analyze pros and cons of a traditional schedule

As many know, HC is the only high school in Fayette County with a traditional schedule. Many students and staff have wondered if it would be more beneficial for the students to have a block schedule rather than traditional. A block schedule allows students to meet every other day, for longer periods of time instead of daily for a shorter amount of time. A traditional schedule at HC consists of six hour long classes which meet daily, where block has four classes a day for about 90 minutes.

Anamika Bose, a student at Tates Creek HS, which has a block schedule, believes that HC would benefit from a block schedule, rather than a traditional.

“Students would have an opportunity to take more classes as well as spending more time in each.” Bose said.

At TC, students have four classes a day and eight classes total, spending around 90 minutes in each class.

“I can also see the advantage to having classes every day,” Bose added. “although I do prefer a block schedule.”

While a traditional schedule allows students to attend classes to attend classes every day, there are similar versions of the block schedule at other schools.

“I think science and math classes would benefit the most.” Bose added. “We wouldn’t have enough time in Biology with the traditional schedule.”

Erin Markel, a student at Paul Laurence Dunbar, which has a block schedule, has six classes a day and ten classes total. Allowing students to spend anywhere from one to two hours in each class.

“I get to take a study hall class,” Markel said. “It helps me keep up with my work.”

At PLD students get to choose five electives annually, compared to HC’s two for underclass men and for seniors up to four.

“If I didn’t have a block schedule I would have a hard time picking my classes,” Markel said. “Since I got to pick five classes, I had an open period and I chose study hall.”

Extra classes are just one bonus of a block schedule.

“I get a day in between homework due dates to clarify issues with teachers,” Bose said. “It also gives me a chance to ask for help.”

HC freshman Will Andrews, who experienced a block schedule in middle school, said he prefers a traditional schedule.

“I like to see all of my teachers every day,” Andrews said. “It’s easier to get questions answered.”

Andrews agrees with Bose about asking for help, but they disagree on which type of schedule is best.

“Block schedules are very frustrating,” Andrews said. “You have to worry about it being an A-day or a B-day.”