Configure Bell Schedule

Configure Bell Schedule

Set up periods and breaks for your school timetable.

Planning bell times before building a full timetable? Try the free bell schedule maker.

Watch Video Tutorial

Quick Steps

1. Access Bell Schedule

• From Overview → Click "Bell Schedule" card
• Shows "Not configured" initially

2. Choose Schedule Type

• Single Week Schedule (default) - Same schedule every week
• Two Week Schedule - Alternating schedules (A/B weeks)
• Toggle at top of page to switch between types

3. Select Working Days

• Day Configurations section appears
• Choose days with same period structure
• Click day buttons to select:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • (or any combination)
• Selected days show in blue

4. Create Configuration

• Click "Create Configuration" button
• Or click "Create First Configuration"
• Days grouped together share same schedule

5. Add Periods

• Periods & Breaks section shows
• Click "+ Add Period" button
• Enter for each period:
  • Period Name (e.g., "Period 1", "Period 2")
  • Start Time (e.g., "09:00 AM")
  • End Time (e.g., "09:45 AM")
• Delete icon (🗑️) to remove period

6. Add Breaks (Optional)

• Click "Add Break After Period X" button
• Break inserted between periods
• Specify break duration
• Example: "Add Break After Period 1"

7. Save Configuration

• Green banner shows: "Working Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday"
• Shows summary: "1 day configuration set"
• Shows: "8 periods • 0 breaks"

8. Add More Configurations (Optional)

• Click "+ Add Day Configuration" for different schedules
• Different days can have different periods
• Example: Saturday with fewer periods

9. Save & Continue

• Click "Save & Continue" button (bottom right)
• Returns to Overview
• Bell Schedule card shows "✓ Default Schedule, 5 working days"

Two-Week Schedule (A/B Week)

For schools that alternate schedules between weeks (e.g., Week A and Week B):

Enable Two-Week Schedule

1. Look for "Two Week Schedule" toggle at the top
2. Click to enable alternating weeks
3. Interface updates to show Week A and Week B tabs

Configure Week A

1. Click "Week A" tab
2. Select working days for Week A
3. Add periods and breaks for Week A
4. Click "Create Configuration"
5. Configure all periods and timings
6. Save Week A schedule

Configure Week B

1. Click "Week B" tab
2. Select working days for Week B
3. Add periods and breaks (can differ from Week A)
4. Click "Create Configuration"
5. Configure all periods and timings
6. Save Week B schedule

Key Features

• Independent Schedules: Week A and Week B can have completely different periods
• Flexible Configuration: Different number of periods, breaks, or timings per week
• Visual Tabs: Easy switching between Week A and Week B viewing
• Alternating Pattern: System automatically alternates between weeks in timetable
• Separate Validation: Each week validated independently

Example Use Cases

Lab Rotation:

• Week A: Regular classes with lab periods
• Week B: Theory classes without labs
• Alternates laboratory access between groups

Activity Days:

• Week A: Standard academic schedule
• Week B: Includes sports/activity periods
• Different extracurricular schedules per week

Resource Sharing:

• Week A: Computer lab periods for Grade 9
• Week B: Computer lab periods for Grade 10
• Alternate facility usage between weeks

Block Schedule:

• Week A: Periods 1-4 (longer classes)
• Week B: Periods 5-8 (longer classes)
• Rotate subjects between weeks

Validation Requirements

• ✅ Both Week A and Week B must be configured
• ✅ Each week needs at least one working day
• ✅ All periods must have valid times
• ✅ No time overlaps within each week
• ✅ System saves both configurations together

Visual Indicators

• Week A Tab: Shows all Week A configurations
• Week B Tab: Shows all Week B configurations
• Active Tab: Highlighted in blue
• Configuration Count: Displays separately for each week

Key Features

Group Similar Days

• Select multiple days with identical schedules
• Create one configuration for all
• Saves time and ensures consistency

Flexible Periods

• Set any number of periods
• Custom start and end times
• Name periods as needed

Break Management

• Add breaks between any periods
• Specify break duration
• Optional - add only if needed

Multiple Configurations

• Different schedules for different days
• Monday-Friday: 8 periods
• Saturday: 4 periods
• Each day group has own configuration

Two-Week Rotation

• Enable alternating weekly schedules
• Independent configuration per week
• Automatic week rotation in timetable

After Configuration

Bell Schedule card shows:

• ✓ Checkmark (configured)
• Schedule name (e.g., "Default Schedule")
• Number of working days (e.g., "5 working days")
• Schedule type (Single Week or Two-Week Rotation)

Ready to proceed to:

• Step 3: Adding Staff
• Step 4: Defining Grades
• Step 5: Adding Rooms
• Step 6: Creating Lessons