Charl Theron

Yolandy Theron

What exactly is a trimester, and how does it differ from a semester? Semesters are the most widely used curricular framework in schools across the globe. A trimester is a three-part year in which teaching and learning are divided. Given the amount of time they may dedicate to school, anyone working on a trimester system may feel considerably more assured.

Which is simpler and best? Many people like the traditional semester system because it is more constant, while others prefer a school that has three shorter terms throughout the year. For learners and teachers, the easiest choice between semesters and trimesters is the one that they are most familiar with. 

Trimesters are simple for learners and teachers who have been on them their entire life, and they will like to stick to a schedule they understand. They will continue attending school as if nothing has changed, and they will not be concerned about what is required during their scheduled shifts. Switching to semesters will cause some confusion while also reducing stress in others. The information in the preceding paragraph comes from the top 10 online colleges.

The truth is that one can argue endlessly about which is best and which is better. However, the question remains: what is the primary reason for the two semesters? Has the ministry taken into account all of the relevant stakeholders’ input? This appears to be a judgment based on Covid-19’s prevalence among children and educators during winter. 

Our obvious conclusion could be incorrect. 

The issue is particularly worthwhile to make a complete switch, despite the strain and stress placed on the teachers and learners? This is just too long, and anyone can see this. Rather consider quarters as an alternative to ensuring schools are not hit by cluster outbreaks during the peak of Covid-19 infections as forecasted.

A survey can be conducted, and one will be surprised at how many teachers and learners are exhausted during these times. The semester system’s success has been closely related to adequate time available, while others felt it overburdened them. 

With this new development, these two parties are experiencing an emotional rollercoaster. Of course, one could argue that this is only the first phase of the change, and that it will improve over time. We too are change agents for the betterment of any given system or process. 

Unfortunately, we must state this change has not been well thought out. Again, we might be missing something, but as leaders in school, we are directly impacted by this change. Therefore, we can confidently state that this is our experience.

Trimesters are not without their drawbacks. Shorter terms may imply a more compact teaching load during the term as well as shorter holidays. Despite these concerns, a trimester system surely appears to be feasible and advantageous. Please return to the trimesters. The use of trimesters is based on an old system that divides the school year for our benefit. It is tried, tested and proven.

* Charl Theron is a school director at Walvis Bay Primary School, Yolandy Theron is a head of department Vyf Rand Primary School.