The School Week

THE SCHOOL WEEK

Pupils need to arrive at school for 8.40 am with all aspects of the school starting at 8.45 am. Within year groups we have a rota for worship. We feel it is an integral part of our school mission to have collective worship as our focus at the start of the school day. Registration, assemblies and time with the tutor takes place at the start of the school day and registration at the start of the afternoon. Year group Communions will also be organised on a rota basis during the year.

The school dining room is open for breakfast from 8.20 am until 8.40 am, there is a break of 15 minutes in the morning and a lunch break of 50 minutes. Each school day ends with a prayer at 3.20 pm. Parents of pupils who travel to school by official or public transport are asked to note that the Governors, Headteacher and staff cannot accept responsibility for the safety and welfare of pupils arriving on the school premises before 8.40 am.


LUNCHTIMES

At lunchtimes, there are areas available for study, relaxation and clubs or activities. We have facilities for students to remain indoors in inclement weather. An à la carte system is in use for meals and we have introduced a cashless system for payment. There are “healthy eating” options, and a wide variety of very popular menus to suit all tastes.

In practice, very few children go home for lunch and many involve themselves in organised activities or private study. All students are expected to remain on the school premises during lunchtimes.


LINKS WITH PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Each year, pupils from approximately 80 Primary Schools, throughout Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley and the Ribble Valley area come to St Wilfrid’s. Over the last few years we have developed close links with these schools and the Achievement Support Manager or other members of staff visit all of them. Details of forthcoming events are passed on, together with information relating to progress made by pupils who joined Year 7 the previous September.

Various Areas have forged their own links. In the area of Learning Support we have established a system whereby meetings take place relating to special needs and pupils confidence in the knowledge that St Wilfrid’s will provide a secure, positive environment.


INDUCTION

We see it as vital that all pupils can and do make the transition to secondary education as smoothly and as comfortably as possible. The process of transition begins shortly after your child has been offered a place. We visit the primary school and seek information concerning your child’s academic, social, sporting and musical talents. We have a Sampler/Induction Day in the July prior to entry. On that day pupils will meet their Tutors, sample some new lessons and become acquainted with the new environment. You and your child will also be invited to an Induction Evening in June when you are able to meet the Tutors who we believe to be the cornerstone of the pastoral system and the child’s first point of reference.

Naturally, the Tutor and all of the staff in the Achievement teams are available to help solve any problems of adjustment a child may experience.