School keeps kids focused with short breaks every hour

Harkaway Primary School students take time out of the classroom every hour to improve their focus. The students have six breaks a day – four 10 minute breaks, and two 45 minute breaks.

This morning Ross and John spoke to Leigh Johnson, principal of Harkaway Primary School, about the initiative.

He said that the initiative, which was introduced two years ago, has helped to improve student’s grades, and the outside play enables students to be “really focused, switched on, tuned in, and working together” in class.

The initiative was inspired by Finland, where it is standard practice for students to have a 15 minute break every hour.

Press PLAY below to hear Ross and John’s discussion with Leigh Johnson, principal of Harkaway Primary School.