Nova-T6 to 'Timetabler'

Nova-T6 has long been the leading school timetabling application because of its intuitive approach and integration with SIMS. The simple timetable structuring tool in Nova-T6 can help to ensure that there are no gaps and no clashes in the timetable, and it also supports ongoing timetable management – addressing cover and resource changes throughout the year.

However, whilst Nova-T6 is well known and something of an industry standard, the process of building timetables within any application, regardless of how intuitive it may be, is time consuming. Across a single academic year, when taking into consideration the initial timetable construction and then in year alterations, the timetabling process can absorb weeks of valuable staff time – and that assumes you have staff that are experienced in timetable construction, even with the correct tools to hand. This is where we can help.

Nova T6 Timetable Specialists

Whether you need one off support to create the initial timetable in Nova-T6, you want all year round Nova-T6 timetable consultancy support, or you need someone to call on for advice and training, you can count on us to help you.  

We’ve worked with Nova-T6 since 2009 and so we are skilled in how the finer points of Nova-T6 work and how to create a timetable model and cycle that is flexible enough to meet the needs of the school.

Woodson TCC - NT6 timetabling consultancy

When you choose to outsource your timetable construction to WoodsonTCC, you can rely on us to provide a detailed and in-depth consultancy service that meets your needs. Whether we’re supporting you as a one-off exercise or you engage us to provide year-round support, we’ll approach every piece of consultancy in the same way.

To deliver a practical, cost-efficient timetable in Nova-T6 that makes best use of your teaching and classroom resources, we need to understand your school, teaching cohort, curriculum, and structure. Therefore, we follow the 10-step process set out below to create your timetable in Nova-T6, working closely with your curriculum leads and senior leadership to develop something that works for you.

Nova T6 Consultancy - What you can expect

1. Creating the school cycle – We’re experienced in working across one-week and fortnightly timetables with anything from 4 to 6 core periods per day

2. Input staff codes and subject information - Before we start, we’ll work with you to gain a clear understanding of teaching expectations, additional roles, TLRs etc

3. Creation of school model and curriculum structure – What are your target teaching hours, what range of subjects do you offer at each key stage and what are the minimum levels in terms of cohort sizes that make it cost efficient? 

4. Correct staff allocation to the classes – Putting the right people in front of the right students, focussing on quality first teaching, and streaming by teacher skillset/experience/qualification level

5. Establishing what the NCCs (Non-Class code) and 'Alternative Curriculum' will be for the school - there are different model and advantages / disadvantages in doing this the most effective way

6. Scheduling and building the blocks – an initial draft of the timetable in NT6 to see how classes, year groups, teachers and workloads fall

7. SLT review – An important step, providing that school specific knowledge input on the draft timetable. What works, what doesn’t where are the issues

8. Check and validate – Following the feedback with SLT and before we commit the timetable, check the diagram and look at staff loading, deployment and the use of part-time teachers to identify any obvious issues with the allocation proposed.

9. Printing and publishing the timetable in whichever format is required

10. Exporting the timetable to the school’s MIS of choice

If you’d like help building, amending and maintaining your school Timetable using Nova T6, please contact us today to discuss our consultancy rates.

We offer the following standard service packages but can also provide support and training to your in-house teams where necessary.