PUPILS joining a new free school this autumn will be expected to work for an extra hour every day, it has been announced.
Durham Free School will have a longer working day than most schools, starting at 8.40am and finishing at 4.40pm, when it opens in September.
The extra hour aims to help the students be better prepared for the world of work, but they will be given a choice to study homework projects, play sports, take part in clubs or have music lessons.
When the students begin their GCSE courses, those who want to gain additional qualifications will also be allowed to choose to study for extra GCSEs, in small classes, during the additional hour of the day.
Headteacher Peter Cantley said: “We are passionately committed to placing children and parents at the heart of our educational vision.
“We really want to go the extra mile for all our students and break the mould of current conventions, in relation to the framework of the traditional school day, by increasing student choice, providing support with homework, offering the opportunity to do sports activities every day and extending the range of qualifications students are able to gain.
“The school will have an inclusive Christian ethos, where all are welcome and valued, and will endeavour to embody all that is best about small, caring, nurturing and supportive schools.
“We firmly believe that students from all backgrounds can excel and the school will create a culture of success which will be reflected in the excellent qualifications our students obtain, academic and vocational.”
The day will begin with an assembly and tutorial time, followed by six lessons. The first Year 7, of around 60 pupils, will be the only year group at opening. The school will grow as each new Year 7 joins. The school has also announced it will run a free bus service from Shincliffe, Bowburn, Park Hill, Cassop, Kelloe, Coxhoe, Spennymoor, Tudhoe and Croxdale to the school and home again.
Mr Cantley added: “The free school agenda is all about creating more choice for parents, especially where, for no other reason than the geographical location of their home, parents have a restricted choice of schools.
“As well as serving our immediate local community, we will want to provide access to the school for children in the south and east of Durham who have been adversely affected by distance related criteria in school admissions policies.”
Applications for places can be made up until March 28 by completing and returning the form on the school’s website www.durhamfreeschool.org and in the back of the prospectus, which can be requested from info@durhamfreeschool.org or by writing to The Durham Free School, Harewood House, Bowburn North Industrial Estate, Durham, DH6 5PF.
