Time-Out Year

The Time-Out Year is an additional year between primary and secondary level which enables students to take “time-out” from the expectations of the academic curriculum. Time-Out Year enables students to try things without jeopardising future prospects, to discover their strengths and weaknesses and to develop a more intrinsic motivation for wanting to go on with secondary studies. Because for most students it coincides with the onset of puberty, the Time-Out Year relieves the pressure of formal studies when they already have a lot to cope with, both physically and emotionally.

During Time-Out Year students focus on individual and group recreational activities. One hour each day is set aside for academic studies. They have the time to concentrate on their own interests and, through this, learn the value of planning and getting themselves organised. Students also take part in collective activities and therefore have to occasionally curb their own wishes to fit in with other class members. The students may ultimately discover that even the pursuit of fun has its limits.

Copyright The School of Total Education 2006.