Bergaskolan in Malmö has two regular school terms, but the academic year is divided into three periods. This means that the students concentrate on a smaller number of subjects during each period lasting about 12 weeks. This is a system that the school has had for almost twenty years, and the principal is positive.
- Students learn faster and can immerse themselves in any subject. The benefits for the teachers are that they also get more effective teaching time. But a shorter summer vacation can be complicated because it can easily be 37 degrees in the classrooms in July and August, says Principal Rikard Persson.
Supported by the municipal managementThe proposal for three semesters in compulsory school and shorter summer holidays comes from the primary school administration in Malmö and is supported by the municipal management.
But students in grade 9 at Bergaskolan are hesitant about shorter summer holidays.
- I think the summer holidays should be long because you look forward to it all the time. You are with your polishes, bathing and having a wonderful time, says Enzo Tonning.
- Shorter summer holidays will be difficult to match with parents' leave and summer camp, says Ellen Bäckman.