The School Day
Starting secondary school is a big step, and we work hard to make each day feel interesting and easy to navigate for students. From the moment students arrive at 8:45am for assembly and morning registration, the school quickly becomes a place where they find their routine, friendships and favourite spaces.
Lessons are one hour long throughout the day, giving students time to settle into each subject and get to know their teachers. Morning break runs from 11:10am to 11:30am and is a great chance to relax, grab a snack and catch up with friends. Year 7 students have their own special social area under a canopy, where they can spend time together and buy drinks and food from the Diner near the main hall.
Across the school site there are water stations where students can refill their bottles and stay refreshed throughout the day.
If anything gets misplaced, there is no need to panic. Our famous red Lost Property bin can be found downstairs in the English block, near Café 6, and many lost jumpers, PE kits and water bottles happily make their way back to their owners there.
Lunchtime is from 1:30pm to 2:10pm and is often one of the busiest and happiest parts of the day. Students can enjoy home-cooked meals from the canteen or bring a packed lunch from home. There are places to sit outside in the sunshine, sheltered areas under cover and space indoors in the hall when the weather turns rainy. Don't forget there are lunch clubs too, so you can quickly eat and head over to play tennis or basketball when the season allows. After lunch, students return to tutor time and afternoon registration before continuing with their afternoon lessons.
The school day finishes at 3:15pm, with some students heading straight to After School Clubs or home after a full day of learning,
Times of the School Day - The Downs School
Clubs and Activities - The Downs School
Trips & Adventures - The Downs School
Lunch - Catering - The Downs School
Please watch the video where Mrs Holbrook gives more detail about the school day.
