Pupils support longer school days: survey

School pupils are in favour of longer school days to learn a third language, a survey by Pondering Panda found on Friday.

"It was found that almost three in five learners (59 per cent) felt that this was a good idea,[that] the school day be extended by an hour for Grades 4 through 12," Pondering Panda spokeswoman Shirley Wakefield said in a statement.

The company conducted cellphone interviews with 2 906 pupils between the ages of 13 and 24 across the country in August.

Thirty-three per cent believed it was a bad idea, while nine per cent had no opinion on the matter.

Wakefield said the survey was a clear indication young people were hungry for learning.

"Pupils have also shown their enthusiasm for learning a third language, once more showing their support for the education department's proposals."

The survey further found black and coloured pupils were more interested in learning science and maths than a third language.

"If a mandatory extension to the school day was implemented, 56 per cent said they would rather spend the extra time learning science and maths. In comparison, 38 per cent favoured using the time to learn another language."

- Sapa