The school day begins with every pupil on site by 8.40am when they make their way to classes for registration or, at least twice a week, to assembly in the Hall or Gym. Registration is a chance for pupils and their form tutors to catch up, pass on the day’s news, look at the day’s scripture reading and prayer, participate in DEAR and generally create a positive start to the day’s learning.
On Tuesdays, Registration is extended to include PSHEe, which follows a well-thought out scheme of work spanning pupils’ time at St Richard’s, with the aim of equipping pupils with useful knowledge and skills for the outside world as well as helping them become thoughtful, reflective, and engaged members of society.
Assemblies follow both liturgical themes and wider community themes such as Black History Week, Anti-Bullying Week, Remembrance Day and Holocaust Memorial Day. The Assembly setting allows Senior Staff, Pastoral Leaders and external speakers to speak to a wider audience and offer thought-provoking presentations.
Following registration, pupils have two lessons of 45-50 minutes (dependant on day) before break-time. After break, pupils undertake two more lessons before lunch. The afternoon resumes at 1.35 or 1.45 and concludes by 3.15 (KS3) or 3.20 (KS4). Tuesdays are unique with 45-minute lessons scheduled to make time for PSHEe in the morning.
A typical school week amounts to 33 hours.