Bell tolls for end of playtime signal
School’s flag trial to keep kids calm
A Hillfoots school is trialling a new initiative aimed at abolishing the school bell there and replacing it with flags.
Pupils at Fishcross Primary are now using the flag system when they enter school in the morning as part a new Clackmannanshire Council scheme.
The council say that they are ditching the loud bell to make the school and playground “as calm as possible”.
A parents’ group agreed that the sound of the bell is “harsh and unpleasant” while waiting in line can be disruptive. Clachmannanshire Council say that the pupils’ wellbeing is at the forefront of the plans and it is ultimately hoped this system helps to boost learning.
As part of the plan, flags will be raised when children should enter the building or leave at break, lunch and home time.
The flag will be used to alert children that it is time to come in and then they will make their way to the door without lining up.
A post on the Fishcross Parents’ Group Facebook page said: “Some children can find the sound of bells quite harsh and unpleasant and lining up and waiting in line can be when disagreements can sometimes occur.
“This new system is being monitored during this term and a decision as to its success will be in April.
“A lot of parents have already expressed their opinion about this and in an effort to pass on all information we are looking for feedback from both parents and children so that we can approach the school and do what is best for the kids and families.”
A spokesperson for the council said: “The approach seeks to make the school and playground environments as calm as possible so that children are settled and ready to learn in class.
“Children’s wellbeing affects not only their social and emotional development, but also their academic outcomes, and is a key factor in determining how able a child is to meet the demands of the classroom.”