St Dunstan's College - A Day in the Life in our Senior School

A day in the life of...

St Dunstan’s College

Year 7-9

“ NIGHT & MORNING ROUTINE

INDUCTION DAY & FIRST MONTH

I use Firefly to check my timetable so that I have the right books for the next day. Before bed, I pack my books, sports kit, pencil case, planner and a reading book for form time. Some days I get a lift with my parents and sometimes I get the bus; most of my friends get the bus so it is nice to see them in the morning. It takes 15 minutes to get to school on a normal day. Poppy (Year 7)

I remember standing at the back of the Great Hall next to my best friend, I looked around and I didn’t know many people. I thought it would be easier as I was in the Junior School but my parents dropping me off on induction day reassured me and it really helped. Some of the teachers who were also new made us feel welcome. One of the teachers said “I am new here too, but I know how you are feeling” and so we didn’t feel out of place or lonely. Joe (Year 7)

Sometimes if the weather is not very nice I get the car but most of the time I walk because I’m quite close to the school and it is nice to clear my head and get some fresh air. When I get to school, there are breakfast options available in the Refectory and if I know I have a busy day ahead I will usually get a croissant to help me keep going. Joe (Year 7) I usually pack my books for the next day, check that I have done all my homework and prepare for any tests that I have. In the morning I take a shower, get changed, do my hair, have Weetabix and go to school. I usually walk which takes me 15-20 mins or take the number 75 bus.

Malachi (Year 9)

Our first week in school was nerve wracking but teachers and other students helped us to find our way and were very friendly and always knew what to say to help us feel more relaxed.

The Bushcraft trip which takes place in the first month of Year 7, was fun and a good way to make new friends and learn new skills to survive outside. Poppy (Year 7)

ACADEMIC LIFE

If we have a test are usually given a what went well or WWW and an even better if or EBI… as well as a student development challenge. The student development challenge is a task or activity which will help you to overcome the challenges you faced on the test.

Malachi (Year 9) Teachers provide us with resources to study, like making mind maps or flashcards and all subject teachers help you to understand the importance of the task or activity that is being given.

Poppy (Year 7) At first, I struggled with a particular topic in Chemistry and so my teacher showed me how to do it and gave me a different resource to understand it better. On the other hand If you are finding something very easy teachers will always give you an extension activity to widen your knowledge about the topic. Joe (Year 7)

The biggest different between primary school and secondary school is….

Senior school has loads of opportunities. When I got a music and sports scholarship in year 7 I was told that I had to do sporting and music clubs, which took up a lot of my time but now my two GCSE subjects are Sports and Music. It’s really good because we are always moving towards a goal. Desiree (Year 9)

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Feedback on your learning

Secondary school is fast paced but helped me move faster. If I feel that teachers are going a bit too fast I will ask questions and ask them to repeat. Malachi (Year 9)

I think the building is a big change. In the primary school all lessons were in the same classroom and you didn’t have to move around so much. In the secondary school it is so much bigger. Teachers were helpful when we were late to class at first. Poppy (Year 7) The building was a big change. The treasure hunt on induction day really helped me to find our way around the school and make friends.

Joe (Year 7)

STRUCTURE OF THE SCHOOL DAY Start

Finish

Registration/Assembly/Tutorial

0820

0850

0850

0945

0950

1045

1045

1105

1110

1205

1210

1305

1310

1350

1350

1430

1435

1500

1505

1600

1615

1715

Period 1 Period 2 BREAK Period 3 Period 4 LUNCH

Forder Programme Tutor Time (afternoon registration) Period 5

After School Activities