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available method of providing the additional places required
in the shortest possible time. Flotation, combined with
an extended day system, which permits a staggering of classes
throughout the day, could increase school enrolments by up to
50%, without any significant educational disadvantage. It is
therefore proposed to introduce this flotation/extended day
system into all junior secondary forms in Government schools,
but not to senior secondary forms, thereby increasing junior
secondary enrolments by up to 50%. The aided schools will
also be encouraged to adopt this system.
3.8
Although there was a fair measure of public
support for the flotation/extended day system, it is not an
ideal solution, but the Government believes that it is far
more acceptable that the alternative, which is that a really
effective expansion of secondary education should await the
completion of the school building programme and the major
movement of population to the New Towns. Although the
system does not ordinarily increase the number of hours spent
in school by an individual child, the Government is aware
that it will create staff problems. Every effort must be made
to streamline school timetables so as to avoid any substantial
increase in teaching hours and the position of schoo1
supervisory staff, whose responsibilities are significantly
increased by larger enrolments, will require review.
3.9
In order to achieve the 1979 target of 100/40%
places as a start the flotation/extended day system should
be adopted in September 1975 in Forms I - III of Government
and aided secondary schools. If it proves possible to
increase their enrolments by 50%, the number of places
available in Forms I - III of these schools in September 1976
/will