Parents fight back at school's controversial timetable plan

“While some students may adapt to this change, those struggling and requiring additional support risk falling further behind due to reduced class time."

A prestigious Melbourne high school has been forced to backflip on plans to dismiss students early one day a week after backlash from parents.

Scotch College, located in Hawthorn in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, planned to let students out at 1.50pm instead of 3.30pm on Thursdays from next year.

The plan was to allow for teachers to have time on a Thursday afternoon for collaboration and training.

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The Herald Sun reports a group of parents at the all-boys school started an online petition demanding the school maintain its traditional hours.

“Boys will now be compelled to take up new interests from a limited range of hobby subjects, engage in co-curricular activities, or leave school early,” the petition reads.

“While some students may adapt to this change, those struggling and requiring additional support risk falling further behind due to reduced class time.

“Our collective concern is that Scotch prioritises these industry-leading experimental changes over the traditional values and reputation of Scotch College.

“Scotch College is putting its traditions and solid reputation at risk by pushing ahead with these changes without proper due diligence.”

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Spending and timetabling changes have upset teachers and parents. Picture: Tony Gough

"There was little transparency or information about this decision"

The school has since backflipped, with Principal Dr Scott Marsh ensuring families the school would “continue to offer an 8.30am to 3.30pm provision for students every day of the week”.

“By increasing academic time for core subjects, removing excessive pockets of transition or ‘down time’ between classes, and restructuring the flow of the day, our boys will ultimately be better equipped to achieve,” Dr Marsh wrote.

The group, led by David Chu, has since claimed victory, saying they were pleased with the result.

“This outcome is directly attributed to the collective effort of our community, which gathered over 650 signatures in just three days,” the petition organiser said.

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“I am deeply grateful to each of you for your invaluable support and dedication. Your willingness to defend our school’s tradition has truly made a difference.

“I want to thank the Principal and the school administration for considering the voices within our community and making a decision that supports the best interests of the students.”

Previously, Mr Chu had told The Herald Sun the “tweak” to the timetable was a “big change with little information”.

“We believe Dr Marsh wants the school to be better, but there was little transparency or information about this decision, or why it would be better for the students,” he said.

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Scotch College principal Dr Scott Marsh. Picture: Supplied

"The very core of the school is being shaken"

The incident is just the most recent controversy at the school, as the Herald Sun reports Dr Marsh is a “divisive figure”.

One staff member told The Herald Sun that while Dr Marsh spoke against Scotch College having to pay more than $3m a year in payroll tax from July, he continued to spend money on international travels, new campuses and new staff appointments.

These included trips to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, and the purchase of a new campus near Mallacoota at a cost of $3.7m.

A staff member told The Herald Sun the spending came as teachers were told they would be “disallowed from leaving early when they have no classes in the afternoon, and budget cuts were being imposed on academic departments”.

“Personnel are leaving in droves because they can’t work with Dr Marsh,” an unnamed teacher said.

“The very core of the school is being shaken.”

NewsCorp has contacted Scotch College for comment.

Originally published as Parents fight back at school's controversial timetable plan