My fellow Year 10 classmates and I were disheartened when we learned that Adelaide Botanic High School decided to remove the much-appreciated free Wednesdays for Year 11 students. Free Wednesdays were more than just a half-day for us; they were a chance to catch up on studies, work on assignments, and manage our mental health amidst an intensive academic year. In light of the overwhelming disappointment and to maintain the balance between academic requirements and personal well-being, we propose a simple yet effective alternative.

Instead of removing free Wednesdays altogether, we urge the administration to replace them with 'no connect' classes throughout the week. This change would mean having regular classes every day but without the additional burden of connect classes, which are already taking a toll on our schedules. By freeing up some time each day, students can manage workloads more effectively without compromising the quality of their learning.

Research shows that student stress levels are significantly tied to academic demands. According to a 2022 study by the Australian Council for Educational Research, 66% of high school students experience moderate to high levels of stress due to schoolwork. Implementing 'no connect' classes could help mitigate this issue, ensuring that students remain engaged and motivated rather than overwhelmed and burnt out.

We believe that achieving our educational goals does not have to come at the cost of our well-being. Many schools across the country have successfully implemented similar systems, where small adjustments in schedules have shown improved student performance and well-being.

This change is not only a commitment to the academic success of Year 11 students but also a step towards acknowledging the importance of mental health in education. We implore the decision-makers at Adelaide Botanic High School to consider our proposal seriously. Let's work together to ensure that our schooling environment is supportive, balanced, and conducive to learning.

Please sign this petition if you agree that a schedule without connect classes will help us manage our academic responsibilities better and maintain a healthy school-life balance. Your support can make a difference in our educational journey.