Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu
Schoolchildren

Schoolchildren 'more alert and attentive in the afternoon'

Date posted : 14 June 2017

Schoolchildren may be more alert, awake and ready to learn in the afternoon than they are in the morning, according to new research.

The study, conducted by the University of Oxford as part of the BBC Terrific Scientific educational campaign, analysed the sleep diaries of 900 children aged nine to 11, and discovered trends that challenged conventional wisdom about the best time to schedule lessons.

Sleep diaries covered three days on either side of the clocks going forward on March 26th, while a series of tests were also carried out to measure children's tiredness and reaction times in the morning and afternoon.

It was found that 68 per cent of participants described themselves as being more of an "evening type", with greater energy levels and higher alertness later in the day, meaning they tended to be sleepier in the morning than the afternoon.

The research also showed that sleep time for the children increased by an average of 30 minutes after the clock-change weekend, contradicting expectations that an hour's sleep would be lost. This was because pupils woke up ten minutes later on average in the morning after the clock change.

These findings may come as a surprise to many primary schools, which often arrange their timetables around the idea that children are more focused and alert in the morning, meaning maths and literacy lessons tend to be held early in the day.

Katharina Wulff, an Oxford University research lecturer who specialises in sleep, said: "Results were surprising in two ways - first, that children slept longer after the clock change; secondly, their reaction time was faster in the afternoon than in the morning.

"The investigation provides a great example of how schoolchildren can get directly involved in research, proving perceived public wisdom wrong."

List #1

Related posts

Educator CPD Academy
Launching Soon: The New Educator CPD Academy

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

On the 5th of November, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining a

Teaser

Exciting update! On the 5th of November, we’re launching the Educator CPD Academy, a sleek new eLearning platform. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an upgraded learning journey!

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Supply Teaching: The Ultimate Solution for Burnout this Teacher Resignation Day

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future.  Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y

Teaser

Discover how supply teaching offers a flexible solution for teacher burnout this Teacher Resignation Day. Learn about reduced workload, better work-life balance, and career variety with Teaching Personnel.

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

How Teaching Assistants (TAs) Help Schools Thrive

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc

Teaser

Teaching assistants (TAs) are the backbone of inclusive and thriving schools, providing essential support to pupils and teachers alike. Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions on National Teaching Assistants’ Day, September 27th.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

School’s out for summer - Eight tips to enjoy the break

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv

Teaser

Discover eight essential tips for teachers to unwind and recharge during the summer break. Make the most of your time off with these practical and enjoyable suggestions.

Read more
Tackling Absenteeism: Turning the Tide with our Attendance Mentors Programme

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing

Teaser

Discover how our Attendance Mentors Programme tackles pupil absenteeism in the UK. Learn how tailored support and proven strategies can boost school attendance and academic success.

Read more
Navigating Exam Stress: How to Help Your Learners

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels

Teaser

Read more
How to Make Teaching an Attractive Career Choice

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes

Teaser

Read more
Your Easter 2024 Payroll

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher

Teaser

Supply Teaching

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD01YY

Summary

Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou

Teaser

All your common questions about supply teaching answered

Read more
Alex Schulte

by

Alex Schulte

Alex Schulte

by

Alex Schulte

Navigating the Challenges of SEN Provision: A Call to Action in 2024

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD01YY

Summary

Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England

Teaser

Dive into the critical world of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision with eye-opening statistics and real challenges faced by schools. Discover the importance of tailored support and the impact on learners.

Read more
company logo
Search