We were disappointed to see Autumn weather this morning – particularly as we can see so many Summer smiles with our staff and students catching up after the holiday.

When we have wet break we deter the students form going outside and getting soaked – we don’t want those new uniforms to shrink in the ‘rain-wash’ – so we have a set wet break processes.

This sees set rooms allocated for different Year groups to go to – as well as the Canteen (depending on their sitting), communal areas, the library, etc.

The Lunch locations are:

First Break (11.10-11.35am)
Eating Locations:
Year 7 – G3 & G4
Year 8 – G5 & G6
Year 9 – G7 & G8
Year 10 – Canteen
Year 11 – Canteen
Sixth Form – Canteen Access & Sixth Form Centre

Second Break (12.35-1.10pm)
Eating Locations:
Year 7 – Canteen
Year 8 – Canteen
Year 9 – Canteen
Year 10 – G3, G4 & G5
Year 11 – G6, G7 & G8
Sixth Form – Canteen Access & Sixth Form Centre

If there are wet break arrangements things jig around a little and we see additional rooms allocated not just for those who are eating food brought in from home and the following rooms are allocated:

First Break (11.10-11.35am)
Sheltering Locations:
Year 7 – U2 & U3
Year 8 U4 & U5
Year 9 – U6 & U7
Year 10 – U8
Year 11 – U9
Sixth Form – Canteen Access & Sixth Form Centre

Second Break (12.35-1.10pm)
Sheltering Locations:
Year 7 – U2
Year 8 – U3
Year 9 – U4
Year 10 – U5 & U6
Year 11 – U7 & U8
Sixth Form – Canteen Access & Sixth Form Centre

In the first week we extend the Second Break for Year 7 so they have more time in the canteen to figure out where to go, what is available, and how to pay.

Matt Allman, Headteacher, said: “It is always a logistical challenge to get 1,250+ children fed and watered in our break-times, but once the new Year 7s getting rolling, it runs pretty well. Our canteen and lunch-time staff are very much on it and manage things well. Lunch is always going to be a hubbub – especially when it is wet outside – but our students understand the systems and respond well to how things roll through.”