Musical class change improves student routines at Djanogly City Academy

James Amps, Director of Operations for Djanogly Learning Trust explains how Bodet’s Harmonys Class Change System has improved student punctuality, behaviour and safety.

What was the challenge you wanted to overcome?
“We used to use the fire alarm to announce class changes and lunch breaks, but the information that can be conveyed is very limited. In this day and age, we needed a more versatile system that would enable us to communicate quickly and clearly to all staff and students what to do should a situation arise that required a lockdown protocol rather than evacuation.

Such a system would also help us develop a clearly defined structure to the school day but in a friendly, calm manner. This would encourage discipline in the students in a stress-free way and lead to a better learning environment for both the staff and the students.”

What system was installed?
Djanogly City Academy selected Bodet’s Harmonys system which is linked to the Bodet synchronised clock system. Harmonys has up to 18 pre-installed bells sounds but can also store up to 30 MP3 music files. Specific announcements for start of school, lunch times or school lockdown can be pre-recorded and scheduled to be broadcast either globally or to specific zones in the school at the appropriate time.

What benefits have you found with the Harmonys System?
“When it’s time to change classes, we play classical music for 4 minutes. It’s a very calm way to announce class changeover. All the students know they need to close their lesson packets, move to the next class and start the lesson before the music stops. Class changes are smooth and efficient and the corridors are empty by the time the music stops.

The sense of urgency it instils has dramatically improved punctuality and avoids staff/student confrontation in the corridors, which has resulted in much better behaviour throughout the school.”

“We have introduced triple-split lunch times. Pre-recorded tailored announcements advise which group of students are due to go to the canteen at each sitting. It means smaller lunch groups which has reduced pressure for both staff and students. Lunchtimes are now easier to staff, provide more space for students and separating year groups has made some feel special and led to better atmospheres and further improvement in behaviour.”

“We now broadcast staggered announcements through external speakers at the start of the day saying that the school gates are about to close in ten, five and two minutes. This has had a very positive reaction from parents as well as students, and it encourages everybody to be on time so punctuality has seen a marked improvement. “

It makes sense to equip your school with a Bodet Class Change, PA and Emergency Alert System and improve the efficiency and safety of your school.

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