In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the reopening of schools for in-person learning has led to a drastic change in the way the school year functions. More specifically, the majority of school boards have implemented a "quadmester system" - replacing the semester'd system previously in place. What does this mean? Rather than completing four courses within a 5 month period, the new system (accompanied by a delayed start to the school year) requires students to complete two courses within a two month period. 

This system creates an unbalanced and unsustainable learning environment, directly affecting students' education and learning ability. Moreso, this system itself is disorganized, varying from course to course, and school to school. The structure has caused extremely noticeable effects on student well being

Unbalanced and unsustainable: A serious issue with the quadmester system is that, depending on the courses taken by each student, they may be stuck completing a quadmester with an extremely heavy workload. Imagine spending two months rushing through Grade 12 Chemistry and Advanced Functions - a unit test every week for each subject, several lessons in one day, and hearing the phrase "there's no time to waste" each class. In a semester, students will typically have at least one course that requires less brainpower and homework (such as Cosmetology), but quadmesters lessen the ability to create a balanced work schedule. The fast-paced learning leads to burnout - which greatly affects a student's mental and physical health. Apart from the fact that the school environment is anything but normal right now, an overwhelming workload is something students should not be worried about.

Decreased education and knowledge: If there's one thing students have been told since day 1 of high school, it is that cramming is the worst way to properly learn. But what does the quadmester system mean for many students? The only way to finish on time is to cram! Studies have shown that having time to process, register, and review concepts is the best way to genuinely learn the course material. Instead, the quadmester system leads to superficial understandings of topics. The negative results of superficial learning will be extremely evident next school year - especially for students completing STEM-oriented courses/programs. Students' lives have entered a cycle of assignment, after assignment, after assignment - and that is not what our education should be! '

How can we combat this? 

1. Ensure teachers create an organized, well-balanced course plan. Many students found that towards the end of the quadmester, they were overwhelmed with assignments and tests. 
2. Focus on key concepts. With such a fast-paced learning environment, it should not be mandatory for students to memorize the same amount of content that they would in a semester. This doesn't mean they shouldn't be taught and provided the same material, but they shouldn't be forced to teach themselves and cram for weekly evaluations
3. Better mental health support and resources. Teachers should not be strict with deadlines, and should be willing and able to help students who are struggling with the new system. Additional educational support should be available to all students. Most importantly, schools need to put more effort into bettering the well-being of students to ensure we do not experience burnout.

Specific to Grade 12 students, the quadmester system does not fit the schedule for post-secondary application. Most post-secondary institutions release their acceptances in May. With the fourth quadmester beginning in late April, how will students complete their required courses? 

A large-scale potential solution: Bring back semesters! The traditional semester system can and should be brought back for the remainder of the school year (from February to June 2021). A potential plan would be to establish a four-day system that continues to limit physical contact and operates as follows...

• Day 1: Course 1 in the morning, Course 2 in the afternoon 
• Day 2: Course 3 in the morning, Course 4 in the afternoon
• Day 3: Course 2 in the morning, Course 1 in the afternoon
• Day 4: Course 4 in the morning, Course 3 in the afternoon

*Should the cohort system still exist during this time period, the system can be revised into an eight-day schedule.

Even if a semester'd system is not possible, school cannot continue as it has been for the last two months. Students demand better organization and more educational and mental health support.

We understand this is a time of uncertainty, but we do not understand why our education, mental health, and future are being jeopardized. By signing this petition, you are helping students around the province. This school year has been overwhelming, but it is not too late to make a change.