Short summary:

• Optional homework
• Basic rights for students
• Less stressful experience at school and more mental health support e.g mental health holidays
• Less strict uniform rules
• 4 day school week
• Better/improving GCSE subjects 

By signing this petition, you confirm you will participate the strike on the yet to be confirmed date. Hundreds of thousands should be striking by the date, so do not worry about disciplinary action. 

As a concerned student of the British education system, I have seen firsthand how our current structure is causing undue stress and negatively affecting mental health. My friends and I have experienced this personally, with some even having to miss school due to school-related stress. The time has come to call for comprehensive changes in our secondary schools. I know we can do this by striking on a date which will be posted further in time until change is made.

We propose optional homework, allowing students to balance their academic workload with other necessary activities. We also suggest less strict uniform rules, promoting individuality and self-expression among students. A four-day school week should be implemented, starting at 09:30 and ending at 15:00; this would align better with adolescent sleep patterns which are proven to differ from those of adults (American Academy of Sleep Medicine).

The curriculum needs revision too. Currently, students are required to study three GCSE sciences; we propose reducing this number to two so that they can focus more on each subject matter. English literature and language should be combined into one subject for a more integrated learning experience.

Some subjects like child development and music technology could be replaced by philosophy and economics - subjects that provide valuable life skills and critical thinking abilities.

To ensure every student gets the attention they need, we suggest separating classes based on IQ scores rather than test scores as it's shown that children who learn with others of similar cognitive ability perform better academically (National Bureau of Economic Research).

Days off for mental health should be introduced in recognition of the increasing rates of mental health issues among young people (Mental Health Foundation). Teachers' performances must also be regularly reviewed for quality assurance purposes.

Lastly, seating plans should be abolished as they often limit interaction between students while specialized teachers will ensure each student receives tailored guidance according their specific needs.

This reform is not just about improving grades but about fostering an environment where every student can thrive without compromising their well-being. Please sign this petition to support the reform of the UK secondary school system.