On Monday 1st February 2010, our outdoor canopies were opened for business by our Head Boy and Head Girl. These provide extensive sheltered areas outdoors and will give us the ability to allow those children who want to go outside during the lunch break to do so, almost whatever the weather. We know this option will be popular as many of our children tell us they don’t like having to remain seated indoors during their only substantial break of the day. They are teenagers, after all – any parent will know that teenagers are just not built to sit still all day!
So now that we have more places for the children to spend their lunch break, we can move towards having a common lunch where the whole school takes its break at the same time.
For the first time, we’ll be able to run lunchtime clubs. The pupils will be able to have a run round with their mates and let off some steam so they’re ready to settle down to some effective learning in the afternoon session. And the pupils will be able to exercise choice! They will have the option of sitting in and having a hot meal, grabbing something to take away and getting out in the fresh air, or attending a club and developing their skills and knowledge in something that really interests them.
“Over the last 4 years, we’ve prided ourselves on being innovative, embracing change and not being frightened to try new ways of working which might benefit our youngsters,” said Mrs Abbott, Headteacher, at the ribbon-cutting event to formally open the new canopies. “Our continuous lunch was a hallmark of the way Great Barr School operated. We think it can be done better and we’re investing in doing it better. Now we really can say that nothing is off the table when it comes to making changes to improve our children’s experience of school.”
We plan to trial the new lunch arrangements for two weeks before the Easter holidays, learn lessons and make changes, and then make the common lunch break a permanent part of the daily timetable when we return after Easter.
Just in time for the long, warm, dry, sunny summer days. Fingers crossed!
