Consultation on the retention of staggered breaks/lunches

We have recently had a major consultation with pupils and staff as to whether we should permanently retain the staggered breaks and lunches introduced during the pandemic or revert to the previous one break and one lunch. There was a definite division in the views of staff but not with the pupils.  I have found it difficult to make a decision but after careful thought and much discussion at SLT on a number of occasions, I have decided that we shall retain the staggered breaks and lunches for a number of reasons:

• Better Health and safety for all – the school is safer, cleaner, calmer
• School is more orderly and far less crowded at breaks and lunches
• Satisfactory amount of seating at lunchtimes/breaks for pupils
• Facilities 8 periods a day in some areas.
• Considerable number of staff views in favour
• Almost all pupil views in favour

Break and lunch times:

S1-3 Break 10:20 to 10:35

S4-6 Break 10:35 to 10:50

S1-3 Lunch: 12:25 -13:15 (M-W),  11.35-12.25 (Th-Fr)

S4-6 Lunch: 13:15- 2:05 (M-W), 12:25 -13:15 (Th-Fr)

This will not affect the start and end of the school day.  School starts at 8:45 and we go straight into period 1.  School ends at 3.40 pm on Mondays to Wednesdays and at 2;50 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Rector

Graham W Hutton