A new school day will be introduced in the last two weeks of the Summer Term from Monday 6th July, with full introduction from the start of term in September.

The new model addresses recent and long-running feedback from students, parents and teachers, including:

• Lunchtime is too short with not enough time to comfortably eat, refresh and enjoy.
• Year 7 have two split lessons each day, impacting negatively on teaching and learning.
• Having Tutor Time at the end of the day means that important Personal Development sessions are delivered at a time when students are not at their most responsive.

With these concerns in mind, we intend to move to a new model which retains aspects of the schedule that works well but  addresses the issues above. Some of the most notable changes are: 

• A longer lunchtime of 45 minutes, which will make clubs and activities possible.
• A longer CARES session with form tutors in the mornings, made up of literacy and PSHE sessions and the removal of afternoon Tutor Time.
• The removal of line-ups. Students will be expected on-site by 8.25am and in their tutor rooms ready to be registered by 8.30am (8.50am on Wednesdays).
• A regular finish time of 3.05pm (five minutes later). The removal of the early finish on Fridays and the introduction of a slightly later start time of 8.50am on Wednesdays to allow for weekly staff training.

Change to the school day will bring costs as well as benefits, but expected gains are:

• More efficient use of time resulting from fewer transitions within the school day.
• Greater opportunities for enrichment and enjoyment at lunchtimes with students having the choice to use either the Canteen or the Snack Shack.
• Better learning experience for Year 7.

The new times will be introduced in the last two weeks of the term to identify pinch points and unforeseen consequences and enable any necessary adjustments before September. The new model is below.

We are keen to know what you think of the new school day, so if you would like to give feedback, please do so using the MS Form linked here: Changes to the School Day – parent/carer response.

Mr Sambrook
Deputy Headteacher