Following the change to this year’s schedule, the amount of homework has drastically changed. Last year’s schedule consisted of four quarters, with the same four classes meeting every day with a rotation in the following quarter. With the new year came a new schedule consisting of all classes meeting over the course of a seven-day rotation. More classes usually mean more work, and each student has been forced to adapt.
“The workload of my classes feels a lot more stacked up with one another,” Sixth Former Matthew Kang said.
Sixth Former George Vollmer felt the same way.
Last year was less work overall but went through faster.
George vollmer ’23
“This year had a lot more work, with about one more hour of homework than usual,” Vollmer said.
With each class occurring three to four times a week, students, or at least current Sixth Formers, have observed an increase in work. For the underclassmen with fewer rigorous classes, however, classes seem to have a smaller workload.
“The workload isn’t that hard so far,” said Fourth Former Andrew Borden, “Besides chemistry, it’s pretty easy.”
Nevertheless, the rotation of classes varies in the amount of homework intensity.
“Classes go through cycles, where there is a lull period without many assignments, then suddenly an overwhelming amount of work is given, in preparation for tests and or projects,” said Kang.
Borden seemed to agree.
I’ve dealt with my workload by getting ahead in my assignments earlier
Matthew kang ’23
“This year I have more homework spread out over the course of the week, but last year I had more homework due the next day.”
With the cycles of classes, students may find themselves hard-pressed to complete all of their assignments and have had to develop different strategies in an attempt to minimize the amount of work they need to do.
“I’ve dealt with my workload by getting ahead in my assignments earlier, so I can have a somewhat equal amount of homework each night,” Kang said.
Others, like Vollmer, try a different approach.
“During my free or ASB, I meet with my teachers to catch up or get help,” Vollmer said.
Compared to the previous years, Kang concludes that the workload is manageable.
“I feel as though the workload is about the same compared to other years. However, that could be a result of taking different types of classes.”
Vollmer also agreed. “Last year was less work overall but went through faster. This year was more work, but went through slightly slower.”
Thus, while the new schedule may cause classes to meet more often, thus increasing workload, steps should be taken to combat this issue. Using our existing time more efficiently, reaching out to teachers for help, and utilizing Haverford’s resources will lead to a successful year.
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