June 24, 2025
Everything to Know About NWSS’s Five-Block Timetable
A new five-block timetable is coming to New Westminster Secondary this fall year and that means changes, big and small.
In contrast to the current model, the timetable introduces five instructional blocks per day:
| BLOCK | TIME |
|---|---|
| A | 8 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. |
| B | 9:24 a.m. to 10:44 a.m. |
| C | 10:48 a.m. to 12:08 p.m. |
| Lunch | 12:08 p.m. to 12:58 p.m. |
| D | 12:58 p.m. to 2:18 p.m. |
| E | 2:22 p.m. to 3:42 p.m. |
Our student population is growing rapidly, which presents challenges in managing both current and future enrollment. The five-block timetable lets us alleviate space pressure at NWSS without compromising the quality of education.
We developed this timetable after extensive consultation with students, staff, parents, and community members with the following goals in mind:
- Provide equitable access to specialty programs (e.g. arts).
- Support a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
- Address the needs of a growing and diverse student population.
For further information, read our Q&A to learn more and get a head start on scheduling for the new school year.
General questions and answers
How will this timetable affect alternate days and special schedules?
Collaboration/Staff meeting days
| BLOCK | TIME |
|---|---|
| A | 8 a.m. to 8:42 a.m. |
| B | 8:46 a.m. to 9:28 a.m. |
| C | 9:32 a.m. to 10:14 p.m. |
| D | 10:18 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
| E | 11:04 a.m. to 11:46 a.m. |
Parent-teacher interview days
| BLOCK | TIME |
|---|---|
| A | 12 p.m. to 12:27 p.m. |
| B | 12:31 p.m. to 12:58 p.m. |
| C | 1:02 p.m. to 1:29 p.m. |
| D | 1:33 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
| E | 2:04 p.m. to 2:31 p.m. |
| Parent-teacher interviews begin | 2:45 p.m. |
Will students have to attend all five blocks every day?
No.
Most students will attend four (4) blocks per day. Students will attend either blocks A-D or blocks B-E.
How does this timetable support student learning?
This model offers greater flexibility in course scheduling while still maintaining a consistent instructional time of 80 minutes per block.
It also encourages cross-disciplinary learning where, for example, students learn grouped together (e.g. to work on a project that involves mathematics, science, and the arts). Students also work together in the school’s open spaces and not in single classrooms.
How does this timetable support student well-being?
The model includes:
- A 50-minute lunch for rest, socializing, etc.
- Balanced daily schedules with four instructional blocks per student.
- More opportunities for personalized learning and support services.
- Greater focus on student voice and choice in course selection and scheduling.
How does this timetable support inclusion and equity?
The new five-block model was designed with inclusive governance principles in mind, ensuring:
- Board interest holder input (i.e. students, staff, parents, community).
- Equitable access to programs and resources.
- Flexibility to meet diverse learning needs.
- Transparency in decision-making.