Alright, let’s be honest, this isn’t the first opinion article related to block scheduling. However, after going through all of high school without really experiencing a “normal” school year, I figured I would throw my completely honest opinion out there. Sure, my senior year is practically a “normal” year, but with the block scheduling being enforced it feels more like an experiment than a school year. Regardless, I would definitely say it’s better than the school year being cut off in March 2020 in 9th grade, or being 100% virtual and learning over Zoom in 10th grade, or not seeing anyone’s full face until the third marking period because of mask mandates in 11th grade. 

To start off, I left 11th grade and entered 12th grade with very, very low expectations for block scheduling. Like, the bar was on the floor. It didn’t seem like it was going to be Abington’s best idea, considering all of my AP teachers were stressing out over cutting back their lesson plans after already being on a time crunch because of the AP exams in May. Also just hearing the words “80-minute classes” in the same sentence was absurd. I mean sure, we had a preview to block scheduling during the 2020-2021 virtual school year, but we were in our own homes and were able to easily access snacks, comfort, and anything else to keep us focused during class. Now, we’re lucky to even get a 5-minute break during the 80-minute periods. 

Okay, enough about the past, let’s talk about the present. The current block schedule was a bit difficult to adjust to if I’m being honest. Between trying to make connections with teachers to finding classrooms in the finalized renovations, September was already a disaster. I mean really, there weren’t many introductions, and with 5 AP classes on my schedule, most of my classes started content on the first day of school. In the old 45-minute classes, I found the first marking period a breeze since most classes were going over the basics and foundations. However, the first marking period this year was all over the place, and I wasn’t satisfied with my grades. I found it really hard to adjust to a new study pattern and distribute my workload in relation to when it was due. Then, the second marking period came before I knew it. I had survived the tsunami and now the waves were calming down. Well… kind of. 

Though I found my flow with completing assignments, the second marking period was still rough. I have always experienced difficulties during the second marking period in past years, so it was kind of expected to happen this year. Personally, I found that all of my classes were being rushed even more than they were in the first marking period. During the week before winter break, I had a test or quiz in all of my classes. I get that it’s better to have an exam while the content is fresh and not 2-3 weeks after learning it, but it was still really stressful. Then when I thought that couldn’t happen again, it did, right before midterms. Some of my classes had made the most recent unit the majority of the midterm, but I still had multiple tests the week before midterms. Even though I knew to expect difficulty during the second marking period, it ended up being the worst marking period I’ve experienced. From having a difficult time focusing in class to doing poorly on my tests, the second marking period is a time I never want to relive. The days passed by slowly, and the weeks slower, but somehow the third marking period managed to creep around the corner. 

Now being a second-semester senior, and already being accepted into most of my colleges, I’ve had more time to reflect on what this school year has been like. In full honesty, I think block scheduling has been a blessing and a curse. If I had to make a pros and cons list here’s what it would look like:

Pros: 

• More time to complete homework
• Generally more time to take tests and quizzes
• 2 extra minutes to get to class

Cons:

• Sitting in a chair for 80 minutes
• Time literally does not move in the most boring classes
• Went from 45 to 30 minutes to eat lunch
• Packed cafeterias = nowhere to eat without having food thrown at your table
• Not having as much fun in classes
• AP classes are even more rushed
• Can’t always meet with teachers on days opposite to when you have said class
• Missing one day of school sets you back 2 days for some classes
• Don’t always have something to sign up for during Lunch & Learn
• Rushed and awkward club meetings because people don’t stay for both Learn periods 

Overall, I guess you could say I lean towards the “against block scheduling” side of the debate. From personal experience, I only enjoy going to one of my classes on A days and one of my classes on B days. There are definitely improvements that could be made to this schedule, but of course, I won’t be here when those changes are made. For any underclassmen reading this article: good luck.