At Batheaston, the organisation of the teaching week has been modified to fit into
4 ½ days.  The start/finish times of the day have been very slightly altered and the lunchtime period shortened. A whole programme of exciting clubs is now long established, and over the years have included the following:

• Art with Heart
• Fun and the Bible
• Yoga
• Indian Art
• Football
• Pottery
• Drama
• Being an Artist
• Dance
• Taste of Art
• Sign Language
• Cardio Kick
• Journalism
• Steel Pans
• Cookery
• Rounders
• Cinema Club
• Drum Fun

Many activities are free of charge apart from an initial contribution of £1.50 per week towards administration costs, but parents also have the choice of their children attending clubs with a small charge to cover the cost of the specialist teacher and/or materials (e.g. Basketball at £10 per term; Drum Fun at £15 per term).  For lots of parents, this will enable their children to receive extra-curricular opportunities and tuition during a weekday session, and save them from using weekend or evening time for this purpose.  School swimming sessions have also been moved to Wednesday afternoons, avoiding children missing lesson times for this learning.

Because the Wednesday afternoon workshops are not official school time, children do not have to attend school during this session.  Parents can take their children home or on outings from 1.00pm - or arrange dental or doctor appointments for this time, in the knowledge that they won’t be missing any lessons.  There is a very careful registration and procedure for notifying the school if a child is given permission by parents to leave the school on a Wednesday afternoon.

The Headteacher or Deputy will normally be on site so that there is additional adult support available, should it ever be needed.  The workshop programme is, however, fully co-ordinated by and supervised by two members of school staff - Sheena Tavendale and Lin Symes.   Community volunteers, parents and artists/specialists (all of whom have completed necessary CRB police checks) also lead activities.  If you are interested in leading or helping with a workshop, please see Sheena or Lin who would love to hear from you.