In the Philippines, class schedules in junior and senior high schools are hectic to the extent that it limits the personal time of students. Based on the majority class schedules of public high schools in Tacloban City, each school has nine subjects and eight of which are given four days every week for 60 minutes. The students are given only a day for the physical education subject for 60 minutes and is separated from other subjects. Classes starts at 8am and ends at 5pm. Because of this, most students tend to be stressed. They continue to complain for they are not given extra time to perform other activities such as: practices for their performances, extra-curricular activities, projects, recreational activities and quality time for themselves.

            This petition aims to provide students the time they need in order to accomplish all the tasks that are given to them including the time for themselves. And to give the teachers enough time to do their work.

            This petition wants to appeal that classes must start at 8:00am and end at 3:00pm with only four subjects everyday in just four days, from Monday to Thursday. Every subjects are given 90 minutes and the physical education subject is scheduled on Friday for just 60 minutes. And the remaining time after school are used for the extracurricular activities, sports, assignments, practices, and students' quality time.

            “Reducing the number of hours spent in class each day would allow extra time in the afternoons for students to participate in additional educational or vocational experiences.” (Bradley, 2006).  Just like in other country classes are shortened and it became more beneficial for students. In the United States the school day in elementary and high schools can vary, but usually runs from 8 am to 3 pm or 3:30 pm, with an hour for lunch. In high school, students take six one-hour classes or four 90-minute classes (with ten-minute breaks between classes). Extracurricular activities and sports are scheduled after school hours. “Studies have shown that students who participate in co-curricular activities have a marked improvement in the grades. This can be attributed to skills they learn such as better time management to accommodate their hobbies and class activities, better organizational skills and a boost in their self-esteem. Skills learnt in clubs such as debate can be applied in the classroom too, as the students learn how to express themselves better”(Jackson, 2017).
 

            “Students will have more time in school to study or review their work, which will give them less homework to do when they get home. This process contributes to more sleep, which is a central component to the success of the adolescent and teenage brain. In essence, the 8 period schedule is better not only for a student’s work ethic and social life, but also for their brain.” (Johnson, 2016). Shorter class schedule will give more time for students to learn because they will have more time in studying and doing their assignments. It will also improve the sleeping hobbies of the students which is beneficial for their health.

             Teachers can also benefit from this petition. The work of the teachers does not end inside the classroom but they also do a lot of paper works. So this petition will provide enough time for teachers to do and finish their work.

             This petition’s purpose is not to lessen the things that students need to do and to make their life super comfortable, but to help them be free from stress and give importance to other activities and the time for themselves. We want to let the people realize that student’s life is not merely about school.

If you want our country to have a better educational system then don’t hesitate to sign this petition.