Daily Life
Our school day runs between 8.30am and 4.15pm, though Early Years pupils may finish earlier if they wish. Lunch is served at 12:40pm and there are three play breaks within the school day one in the morning, one before lunch and one during the afternoon. Play times are held in the Junior School playground which has excellent play and climbing frame facilities. Fruit is available during morning break, and possibly a treat on Fridays! Throughout the year, Fyling Hall also runs regular class-trips and excursions, bake sales, celebrations and additional social events.
Assembly
We have an assembly at the beginning of the week which is broadly Christian in nature and an important daily gathering point for the Junior School community. We believe it is never too early to teach traditional values such as honesty, courtesy and consideration. Exploring different values, cultures and experiences is an important part of our assemblies, which are interactive and encourage contributions from pupils. We have a celebration assembly each Friday morning where we practise our singing and hand out Golden Book certificates to the pupils who have excelled that week.
Forest School
We aim to maximise the beautiful environment our school is located in. In the school woods we have a Forest School, which gives pupils the chance to experience what they learn about in the classroom.
On Fridays, the whole Junior School put on their rain suits and go for an adventure in Forest School. Some of the planned teacher-led activities are linked to areas of the Science, Geography, English and Art curriculum. However, a lot of the learning is child-initiated and our enchanting environment provides inspiration and excitement that enhances and reinforces learning. The pupils love our den-building area and have great fun exploring the surroundings! Our tree house and camp fire, where we roast marshmallows, are also popular places to spend the afternoon.
Extra-Curricular Clubs
Swimming
Learning to swim is an essential life skill, and every Thursday the whole school goes to our local swimming pool for swimming lessons. Our experienced school staff cater for all abilities and pupils progress quickly into strong swimmers. Rather than come to school on Thursday mornings, pupils can arrange with the Head of the Junior School to go straight to the swimming pool for 9:30am.
Drama
On Tuesday afternoons, Form 2 and 3 have drama lessons in our school theatre. During these lessons, they prepare for the many productions and public speaking competitions they have throughout the school year.
Homework
Reinforcing learning from the school day is important. Key Stage 2 pupils have homework every evening which varies in length, but should not take longer than 30 minutes. All pupils are encouraged to read at home daily as part of the whole school literacy policy.
Buddy Time
Pupils are given a buddy each term. They sit with them at lunchtime and have regular buddy time with each other. Older pupils are paired with younger ones, and Year 6 are paired with EYFS pupils for reading. In this way, younger children receive support and the older ones develop a sense of responsibility. In addition, senior school and Sixth Form students regularly visit the Junior School to mentor pupils.
Visits and Trips
We go on a variety of trips throughout the school year to many different locations, which enhances the children’s learning. Destinations have included:
- Eden Camp, Nunnington Hall, Helmsley and Pickering Castles
- Beach trips to Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay
- Scarborough Hospital
- Whitby Fire Station
- Scarborough Engineering Week
- Pannett Park Museum
- York Castle Museum
- River Esk
- Ryedale Folk Museum
- Scarborough Sea Life Centre
- Viking Village
- National Railway Museum in York
- The Chocolate Story in York
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Residential trips to Bewerley Park
Pupils are invited to join in with some of the weekend activities. The programme is coordinated by Mr Coates.
