For 2009/2010 the timings of our school day are as follows:

08.40 Warning bell (this alerts students of the need to move to lesson 1)

Morning Session:
08.45 - 09.45 Lesson 1
09.45 - 10.45 Lesson 2
10.45 - 11.05 Break
11.05 - 12.05 Lesson 3
12.05 - 12.20 Form Tutor Time
12.20 - 1.10 Lunch

Afternoon Session:
1.10 - 2.15 Lesson 4
2.15 - 3.15 Lesson 5
3.15 School finishes

Registration in the afternoon takes place during Lesson 4

Attendance and Punctuality
Regular attendance is a high priority. All absences must be followed by a written reason signed by the parent / carer. Whenever possible you may be contacted by a member of our support staff on the first day of absence. It is not acceptable to allow children time off school for reasons other than sickness or medical / dental consultation.

Given that learning time is very precious and examinations and other assessments, including coursework, take place at all times, absence from school for holiday periods cannot be authorised.

Holidays taken in term-time will only be authorised in very rare and exceptional circumstances at the discetion of the Head Teacher.  Where holidays are taken without consent from the Head Teacher, this is likely to lead to fixed penalty fines of up to £100 per parent for each child, issued by the Local Authority.

Equipment
Being prepared for learning will optimise our students’ achievement. All students are expected to come to school with the right basic equipment for lessons (pens, pencils, rulers etc.) The curriculum guide, which is available on our website, gives specific details about what students need for each subject.

Personal Possessions
As a school we cannot accept responsibility for personal possessions that are lost in school. If students choose to bring items such as mobile phones, iPods and MP3 players into school they must realise they remain totally responsible and, if the item is lost, misplaced or broken the school will not under any circumstances be liable.

Mobile phones
We understand that mobile phones provide both parents and students with security and there is, on occasion, the need to communicate before or after school. During lessons, mobiles must not be used under any circumstances. Again, it is not possible for the school to accept any responsibility in the event of loss, theft or damage. Staff will use their professional discretion and confiscate mobile phones used inappropriately, these can then be collected at the end of the day. There may be occasions when we would require a parent/carer to come to school to collect the item.

Break and Lunchtime arrangements and leaving the school premises
Our school canteen is open in the morning for breakfast, and at morning break to sell hot and cold snacks, drinks and sandwiches for eating in the canteen.

At lunchtime students can eat their own sandwiches in designated areas, buy sandwiches and snacks or eat a cooked meal in the canteen. From September 2009 the value of a token for students on free meals is £1.80.

For the safety and welfare of all students it is important that we are aware of who is on the school site at all times. Students are not permitted to leave the premises at lunchtime, or any other time, without prior written arrangement. Should you wish your child to come home for lunch then we ask for a written note from you to that effect so that they may be issued with a lunch pass. Should your child need to leave school during the day for a medical or dental appointment then please send a note stating the time s/he needs to leave school. S/he must take this to the school office in the west building to sign out.

Students returning to school following an appointment or those who arrive on site late must report to the Pastoral Block.