The Sindh School Education Department has issued a new circular announcing revised school timings for primary, elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools.
According to the circular, from August 6 to October 31, single-shift primary schools will operate from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays they will remain open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
From November 1 to March 31, single-shift primary schools will function from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
For double shift elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools, the first shift will run from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm between August 6 and October 31.
From November 1 to March 31, the first shift of double shift elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools will operate from 8:00 am to 1:45 pm.
Punjab schools to open on alternate Saturdays
In a separate development, the Punjab government announced that it may review the school academic calendar after private schools objected to the long summer vacations in the province.
The Education Minister of Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat, while speaking to a private TV channel, said that long holidays negatively affect students’ education. He agreed with the concerns that had been raised by private schools.
He said that the government is considering a proposal to open schools on alternate Saturdays after the summer vacations.
Further, the minister added that the new academic calendar will be prepared after consultation with private schools.
He also said that an alternative plan will be made in case schools have to close suddenly due to any situation.
The minister said that the Friday holiday also caused a loss in studies. According to him, schools should remain open for 180 days in a year, but at present, they are functioning for only around 140 days.
Also read: Private schools urge government to reopen schools, shorten summer break