The School Day
At Kennet, our structured school day ensures that pupils receive a well-rounded education, with a balance of academic lessons, pastoral care and co-curricular activities.
Daily Schedule
Pupils arrive by 8:45am, with registration beginning at 8:55am. The Key Stage 3 teaching day (Years 7-9) concludes at 3:30pm, while our Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) pupils and Sixth Form students may have additional lessons during Period 5 until 4:45pm.
We offer a variety of co-curricular activities before school, at lunchtime, and after school, including sports fixtures, academic clubs and creative societies.
Punctuality and preparedness are key expectations at Kennet. Pupils must arrive on time, be ready to learn with the correct equipment and wear their school uniform appropriately.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00am - 8:45am | Before School / Breakfast Co-Curricular Clubs |
| 8:45am | Arrive (unless attending before school clubs) |
| 8:55am - 9:15am | AM Tutor Registration / Reading (Kennet Canon) |
| 9:15am - 10:25am | Period 1 |
| 10:25am - 11:35am | Period 2 |
| 11:35am - 11:55am | Break |
| 11:55am - 1:05pm | Period 3 |
| 1:05pm - 1:55pm | Lunch / Lunch Co-Curricular Clubs |
| 1:55pm - 2:20pm | PM Tutor Registration / PSHE / Assembly |
| 2:20pm - 3:30pm | Period 4 |
| 3:35pm - 4:45pm | After School Clubs / Period 5 (for Key Stages 4 & 5) |
Note: Period 5 is for Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils (Years 10-13) based on their courses. Some clubs may extend beyond 4:45pm.
School Meals
At Kennet, we are committed to providing nutritious, appetising meals that sustain our pupils throughout the school day. Working in partnership with Impact Food Group, our caterers, we offer a diverse range of food options for breakfast, break, and lunch, ensuring both variety and quality:
- Hot meals
- Grab-and-go hot snacks
- Fresh salads & sandwiches
- Free porridge for all pupils and staff daily.
We exceed government nutritional standards, ensuring pupils have access to healthy, balanced meals. Free drinking water is available at hydration stations in all catering areas and via water fountains around the school site. We also encourage parents/carers to support our healthy eating campaign, helping pupils make nutritious choices.
Main Catering Facilities
- Main Canteen & Outdoor Pod: The main canteen and outdoor pod serve a seasonally inspired menu, freshly prepared each day. Pupils who prefer to bring their own food are welcome to eat their packed lunches in the school dining hall.
- Nourish Coffee Shop: This facility is an exclusive space for Key Stage 4 pupils and Sixth Form students, staff and visitors, offering: Barista-style coffee, hot and cold drinks, including homemade smoothies and milkshakes, and grab-and-go meals & street food deals.
To make payments easy and secure, we operate a cashless system for pupils in Years 7-11, using a biometric fingerprint reader linked to their ParentPay account. For Sixth Form students, payments can be made via contactless card or cash.
Free School Meals
Some pupils may be eligible for free school meals. Checking if your child is eligible is easy via West Berkshire's checking service or over the phone on 01635 503622. If the check confirms your child is eligible, we are informed via email and your child will have £2.60* added to their account every day, automatically, which will purchase the main meal/dessert option at lunch. Your child, however, is not restricted to this and can spend the money flexibly at break and/or lunch. Parents will be able to view their choices via ParentPay. Any unused balance is cleared at the end of each day. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or West Berkshire directly.
* Subject to change
Pastoral Care & Assemblies
Our school culture is based on respectful relationships. Our daily Pastoral Programme includes a rota of Year Group or House assemblies during Tutor time, fostering community, personal growth and wellbeing.
Homework
Homework plays a crucial role in academic success, reinforcing knowledge and developing effective study habits. It helps pupils with:
- Time management and self-motivation
- Embedding core knowledge
- Preparation for assessments & exams.
Homework Expectations
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9): 15 minutes per subject per week, plus 10 minutes of reading every day
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11): 60 minutes per subject per week
- Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13): 4 hours per subject per week.
Homework Support & StudyPlus
Pupils who miss deadlines or submit work below the expected standard will be required to attend a homework detention to complete tasks and build effective study habits. Those needing further support will be encouraged to join to StudyPlus, an after-school session with staff assistance. StudyPlus (homework club) is also available daily for any pupil who prefers to complete their homework in a structured school environment.