etable Principles of timetable construction - Association of School ...

principles of timetable constructionThe construction of a quality school timetablewhich allows cost effective deployment of theschool’s most expensive resource, its teachingstaff, in a manner that delivers learning in the mosteffective and efficient manner is more of an artthan a science.Computer software can be a great support intimetable construction but it can never produce anoutput that has a higher level of quality than thepotential of the inputs. It is also the case that whilstsoftware will solve problems that have a solutionat high speed it will not make progress withfundmentally illogical requests.The human element in understanding theimplications of timetable structures which willbest serve a school and the detailed negotiationand discussion surrounding the management ofindividuals in the timetable is essential.This course will cover the critical elements oftimetabling including feasibility tests, ongoingstaff deployment analysis, the basic approaches totimetable construction and its link to efficient andcost effective use of teachers. During the two daysdelegates will learn the range of relevant conceptsand techniques and also have the opportunityto put them into practice in a school simulationexercise. Software to assist in timetable planningwill be provided to delegates for use after thecourse.Led bySam Ellis, ASCL Funding SpecialistMalcolm Trobe, ASCL Deputy General Secretary -PolicyProgrammeDay 109.00 Registration and refreshments09.30 Introduction●●General principles●●Curriculum planning●●Curriculum costs10.45 Refreshment break11.05 Structures●●Analysing structures●●Linear spread12.30 Lunch13.20 Timetable planning●●Schematic plans●●Analysing clashes15.00 Refreshment break15.20 Timetable construction●●Identifying fixed points●●Introducing flexibility●●Constructing the timetable●●Principle of compatibility16.30 Refreshment break16.50 Practical exercises and introduction to day 218.00 Conclusion of day 119.30 DinnerThese topics will be extended into day two as aseries of workshops where delegates construct aschool timetable using the principles covered inDay 1. The practical construction of a timetableexercise deals with a number of the issues thattimetablers usually experience in putting togethertheir school timetable.Day 2 starts at 09.00 and ends at 15.30.www.ascl.org.uk/training