Winter Timings for Federal Schools, Colleges Announced in Islamabad

The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has announced new winter schedules for all educational institutions it manages. These changes will be in effect from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025.

The updated timings impact Islamabad Model Schools and Colleges, as well as former FG Colleges located in both urban and rural areas. Also Check Rana Sikandar Hayat Ending Saturday Holiday in Punjab Schools.

Revised Schedule Details:

Single-Shift Institutions:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Pre-I (Montessori/Prep) Classes:

• Daily: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Classes:

• ECE-I: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• ECE-II: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Double-Shift Institutions:

• Morning Shift:
  • Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Evening Shift:
  • Monday to Thursday: 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Postgraduate Colleges:

• 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM, depending on the program needs

Saturday Remedial Classes:

• 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (only for teachers conducting these classes)

The FDE has tasked all Area Education Officers with making sure these new times are followed in their respective sectors. The Director General of the FDE approved these changes to help manage school activities better during the shorter daylight hours of winter.

The revised winter schedule by the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) can have several impacts on education and health for students:

Educational Impact

1. Enhanced Focus and Performance: Starting school later in the morning, as seen with the 8:30 AM start time, can help students perform better. Studies suggest that when students are well-rested, they can concentrate better and retain information more effectively.
2. Adapted Learning Environment: The scheduling adjustments to fit the shorter daylight hours ensure that students can travel to and from school safely during daylight, which is particularly important during winter months when visibility can decrease earlier in the day.
3. Curriculum Continuity: The extension of school hours and inclusion of remedial classes on Saturdays can help address any learning gaps and provide additional support, ensuring curriculum continuity and academic support where needed.

Health Impact

1. Improved Mental Health: Reduced exposure to dark during commuting hours can positively affect students’ mood and mental health. Exposure to natural light is beneficial and can decrease symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of the year, especially in winter.
2. Physical Health Benefits: Aligning school schedules with daylight hours can lead to increased physical activity. Students might feel safer and more inclined to engage in outdoor activities before or after school, contributing to better physical health.
3. Better Sleep Patterns: Later start times are linked to better sleep patterns, especially for older students. Teenagers, in particular, experience shifts in their circadian rhythms that make waking up early more challenging. By starting classes later, students may achieve a longer and more restorative sleep, improving their overall health and cognitive functions.

Overall, the FDE’s revised schedule could provide a supportive structure for enhancing both the educational outcomes and health of students, aligning with environmental factors that change with the season.