Pupils start their working day with a half hour session with their learning mentor. This is a time for:
- Ensuring general pastoral wellbeing.
- Preparing pupils for the day ahead.
- Sharing and developing music skills.
- Addressing and removing barriers to learning.
Over the course of the week, this time is also used for year and whole school assemblies. Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHEE), organised by the Head of Year, is also delivered in these slots.
In addition, all pupils follow a reading programme during this time. This is compulsory. Weaker readers are supported through a guided reading programme.
Following the mentoring time, there are two one hour lessons, followed by break, and then a third lesson. Maths, English and Science are prioritised for these morning sessions, to promote optimum learning and progress in these subjects where there is currently underachievement on the Island.
During the lunch break, all staff (teaching and non- teaching) and pupils eat together in the dining hall. Our temporary site (at Leeson Road) has its own kitchen. Before the school opened, we consulted parents about meal arrangements, and they told us that they wanted their children to have both hot and cold options – so this is what we provide. Our new building will also contain a kitchen to cook high quality and nutritious meals. Lunch is a crucial time in the day for the development of good relationships between staff and pupils, who can interact informally with each other outside of the classroom. Staff promote healthy eating through discussions that also help to develop social skills amongst pupils.
Lunch is followed by two further hours of curriculum time for KS3 pupils and one further hour for KS4 pupils. Wherever possible, the more practical and creative subjects are delivered as part of the afternoon sessions for Key Stage 3 pupils. All of our teachers have expertise in more than one subject, which makes this arrangement feasible.
Following the afternoon session, there is a short tutor time where mentors check that all pupils are clear
on the homework tasks. The pupils have a drink and snack, provided by the school, before they go on to the enrichment curriculum. This is compulsory for all staff and pupils, and an opportunity for all of us to come together and develop new skills. It is central to the ethos of the school that, at times, staff members join groups as learners, as well as leading activities. In doing so we model good learning and highlight the importance of lifelong learning that is enshrined in our vision for an outstanding school.
The formal school day ends at 4.10pm.
The school day encourages our pupils to aim high and achieve outstanding results. This is a learning environment where pupils thrive and attendance is good. Our mission is to get to know every pupil and create strong working relationships between pupils and staff.
This daily plan is the same for every day of the school week, from Monday to Friday.