I am writing to you in order to inform you of a proposed change to the school day, which will be effective from the 2025/26 academic year. As we continuously strive to enhance our students’ experience, we are proposing adjustments to the structure and timing of the school day, and we value your thoughts on this matter.
Summary of proposed changes
Currently, the school day begins at 8.40am and ends at 3.10pm. We are proposing that the school day begins at 8.30am and teaching ends at 2.35pm. There will then be an enhanced enrichment programme for students until 3.25pm. Attendance at enrichment activities is not compulsory but strongly encouraged and we hope that most students will access a range of activities across the week.Â
The revised timings for the school day will be as follows:
8.20-8.30am | Gates open for students to arrive |
8.30-9.25am | Period 1 |
9.25-9.30am | Movement |
9.30-10.25am | Period 2 |
10.25-10.30am | Movement |
10.30-10.50am | Tutor Time |
10.50-11.05am | Break |
11.05-11.10am | Movement |
11.10am-12.05pm | Period 3 |
12.05-12.35pm | Lunch |
12.35-12.40pm | Movement |
12.40-1.35pm | Period 4 |
1.35-1.40pm | Movement |
1.40-2.35pm | Period 5 |
2.35-3.25pm | Enrichment |
Why the change is being considered
Our primary goal is to ensure that our students are engaged and equipped to learn and we believe that the changes proposed to the school day will support students to achieve, both academically and in their personal development.Â
By structuring the day in this way, we will be able to offer a wide range of consistently high-quality enrichment activities to allow students to develop as individuals, stay healthy, support their academic progress and make their school experience more memorable and enjoyable. Students will be able to attend a club or stay to complete their homework at school in a supervised setting and still leave at around the same time they do now.
It supports the wellbeing of students and colleagues by allowing more flexibility around the end of the school day. We are committed to providing an environment that fosters learning, health, and overall wellbeing for all of our students.
Consultation and next steps
We understand that any change to school timings may have an impact on families, and we want to ensure that all voices are heard. We are therefore inviting you to share your thoughts regarding this proposed change.Â
Please feel free to submit your feedback through the following channels:
We will also be hosting in-person consultation sessions (8/10 people per session) at the following times/dates:
If you would like to attend, please let us know any dates you are available using the email above. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
After gathering input from parents, staff and other stakeholders, we will carefully review all feedback before making any final decisions. If the proposed changes are implemented, we will communicate this to families well in advance to allow you time to plan accordingly.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for taking the time to consider this important change. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and to working together to create the best possible learning experience for our students.
Have a great weekend!
Gavin Kumar
Principal
As part of their form time programme on Wednesdays, Year 11s now have a mental health focus. This gives the students an opportunity to consider self-esteem, strategies to support mental health, and how we can still experience joy in the exam season.
This Wednesday saw our first ‘activity’ morning, where students signed up to one of five enrichment activities. Breakfast was included! Students played the pirate game, football, sporcle, did some mindfulness colouring or decorated cupcakes. Feedback from students was that it was an enjoyable, relaxing morning, and that they enjoyed an opportunity to prioritise mental health as part of the school day.
Look out for our next activity!
Last Thursday, we welcomed York Theatre Royal into school to bring Shakespeare alive for our Year 9 students! Students performed act one, scene one, from Romeo and Juliet with Julian and Jenna from York Theatre Royal.
Next week, Year 8 are heading to Liverpool on one of two trips. Please check the kit list and your departure time carefully.
Thirty students from Years 7-10 took part in spray paint sessions with Art of Protest on Wednesday. This was part of an outreach initiative led by York City Council to inform a large mural that will be painted on the side of ‘Snips’ on Front Street in Acomb.
Students created their own A3 piece of spray art, heard a presentation about types of mural art work and answered questionnaires about what they would like to see on the murals and benches, which are also due to receive a makeover.
We hope they enjoyed this unique opportunity to have a say on what happens in their own, wider community.
If your child studies GCSE Drama in Year 10 or is opting for GCSE Drama or Music and is currently in Year 9, please make sure they have been to see Mrs Lancaster for a letter about a theatre trip at the end of this half term.
Please help York Music Hub to win Tesco’s Blue Chip grant!
This is one of the initiatives York Music Hub relies upon to help raise funds for its Bursary Scheme which supports children to learn to play an instrument. Over 50% of our students who access instrumental/vocal tuition at York High School access bursary funding from York Music Hub, so please support them with this fundraising initiative.
Blue Chip voting for York Music Hub can currently be found in the following Tesco stores:
Every vote counts, and your support could help provide more children in York with the chance to access music!
Do you own a business which could possibly donate a prize for our Grease show week raffle? We would love to hear from you!
The prize could be anything from a car MOT, a bunch of flowers, a tray of cupcakes to a haircut, a massage or vouchers for a day out. In return, we would put your business logo in our show programme.
If you are able to help, please get in touch with Mrs Lancaster at r.lancaster@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk. Thank you very much in advance!
Lots more rewards this week – well done to Annie, George, Tally, Sunny, Sophie, Evan, Toby, Tyler, Denzel, Hayley, Millie, Kasey, Daisy, Isaac, Joseph, Esme and Alyssia!
Our #YHSWay focus for this week is 'Routines and Habits – Litter' 🌟 🚯
Last week, 30 students took part in spray paint sessions with Art of Protest as part of an outreach initiative led by York City Council to inform a large mural that will be painted on the side of ‘Snips’ on Front Street in Acomb.
Students created their own piece of spray art, heard a presentation about types of mural art work and answered questionnaires about what they would like to see on the murals and benches, which are also due to receive a makeover.
We hope they enjoyed this unique opportunity to have a say on what happens in their own, wider community.
Each Wednesday during form time, our Year 11s now have a mental health focus giving them an opportunity to consider self-esteem, strategies to support mental health, and how we can still experience joy in the exam season.
The first session was a definite hit! #mentalhealth
📣 The Principal's Weekly Post is available now - please make sure you take a look to read an important letter from Mr Kumar and catch up on all the news from York High!
Have a great weekend everyone! 🤩
https://buff.ly/4jCGUwY
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