Dear Parent/Carer,
I write in accordance with the Changing of School Session Times (Wales) Regulations 2009 No 572 (W.54) and on behalf of the Governing Body of Prestatyn High School to inform you of proposed changes to the timing of the school day with effect from September 2017.
Prestatyn High School is committed to improving the outcomes and life chances for all young people no matter their starting point or background. A fundamental part of raising standards is having a modern and fit for purpose timetable and school day. The proposed new school day will allow the school to achieve its aims and accelerate the progress for all of our learners.
- The proposed changes are summarised at the end of this letter but the main points are listed below:
- The students will continue to have 5 one-hour lessons each day over a fortnightly timetable
- The time at which the day begins will be 8.40am
- The school day will end at 3pm
- Registration will be at the start of the day
- Lunch is now split – KS3 have early lunch and KS4 pupils have late lunch
- No year 11s will be allowed off site during lunch
- KS4 pupils will only have 1 lesson after lunch
- The advantages of the proposed system are:
- Registration is now at the start of the day so that tutors can check that all pupils are ready and equipped to learn
- It is statistically proven that pupils learn and engage better earlier in the day
- Reducing the number of lessons after lunch will improve behaviour and engagement
- Having an earlier end of the day will encourage more pupils to attend extra-curricular events or interventions after school. The school will invest in far more enriching activities after school for our pupils
- A split lunch time will allow our pupils to be more relaxed and less rushed in the diner leading to a calm environment
- The school will now take responsibility for Year 11s over lunch time ensuring that their focus is maintained right until the end of the academic day
There will be a meeting open to all parents/carers and staff to discuss the proposal at 6.00pm on Tuesday 25th April in the main hall. If you are unable to attend, you may submit written comments to me for consideration before the meeting. Any written comments will be discussed during the meeting on the 25th April.
I look forward to receiving your comments by 7th April 2017.
Yours faithfully
Neil Foley – B.Sc. MA.
Pennaeth Headteacher
