YOUNGSTERS at Burnage High School are more used to snoozing than studying at eight o'clock in the morning. But that's about to change when the school becomes one of the first in the country to try a continental-style day.

As part of the pioneering trial, the school intends to get rid of the one-hour lunch break and finish lessons at 1.45pm.

Headteacher Ian Fenn says the change is designed to boost academic standards and improve behaviour by concentrating teaching on the part of the day when youngsters are freshest and most eager to learn.

And in addition, he says, the shift in the timetable will give youngsters more time to take advantage of sporting and extra-curricular activities at the school, as well as pursue other interests out of school.

"We think this will improve the quality of learning," said Mr Fenn, who is consulting parents on the proposals, which could be implemented in September.

"By the time pupils get into their last lesson they are not fit to learn - but by bringing it forward we hope to catch them when they are more receptive to learning."

Mr Fenn says that under the present system - where pupils return to the classroom for a one-hour lesson after lunch - youngsters are often unsettled.

And the situation, he says, is not helped by the school's "inadequate" playground and dining facilities, which can mean long lunch-time queues.

"Lunchtime can mean real difficulties for us," says Mr Fenn.

In the new-style school day youngsters will have two 15-minute opportunities to grab snacks from the canteen.

And lunch will be served at 1.45pm for those who want to stay for it.

Mr Fenn says the earlier finish time will mean there won't be large numbers of boys making their way home during the rush hour. And in the winter months, he says, they won't be making their way home in the dark.

He says the proposals have already won widespread support from pupils and from most parents, although some concern has been raised about youngsters being out on the streets at the end of the school day without supervision.

Coun Jeff Smith, Manchester's executive member for education, says the evidence from Europe points to strong advantages in implementing the change to the school day.

But he says parental support will be vital if it is to be successful.

He said: "I think this is a good idea and it would be an interesting experiment.

"The evidence from abroad is that children learn more effectively in the morning and it gives time in the afternoon for additional curriculum enrichment and sports and frees up the school for community use. I think the key to this will be the reaction of parents."
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