Making time for students to build their learning habits

In 2021, Brisbane Grammar School introduced its first significant revision to the timetable structure in 20 years to optimise how students engage in learning.

The 2021 timetable operates on a cycle of 10 school days over two weeks. Lesson times have been equalised, ensuring classes across subjects receive the same amount of direct ‘contact time’ with teachers.

Stretching out the timetable allowed for the introduction of a block of structured time each day for students to consolidate and revise their learning and prepare for upcoming lessons. This structured time is called Consolidation and Preparation time, or CP time.

The period allows students time to slow down their thinking, organise and review notes, reflect, make links, identify gaps, collaborate with peers, and seek clarification from their teacher if needed.

CP time offers opportunities for students to develop and practise self-directed learning habits that enact independence, interdependence and ownership of learning – bringing their learning together in a personally meaningful and coherent way. The restructured timetable has also enabled teachers to meet to share their practice, collaboratively plan, and review student progress. Prioritising teacher learning builds the School’s capacity to create cultures that consistently promote effective thinking in every classroom for every boy.

Image: Executive Director Educational Innovation Jacqui Zervos teaching her Year 11 Geography class.