By Emma, Emma and Olivia, Year 8

Have you ever wondered what Explorer Time is and why students have it every week? Some people may think it is just a period to finish homework, but Explorer Time is much more than that. It gives students opportunities to learn important life skills, stay informed about school events, and develop good study habits.

Explorer Time is a class for students from Year 7 to Year 10. During this time, students can complete homework, read books, and keep up to date with notices and important information about school events. Students also take part in PSHE lessons on Fridays, helping them learn valuable skills and topics that support their wellbeing and personal development.

Within Explorer Time, there are four different houses, each with its own focus and purpose.

The Blue House is the Events House, where students help organise school events and share ideas for activities that could make school more exciting and enjoyable.

The Red House is the Academic House, where students think about ways lessons and learning experiences could be improved.

The Yellow House is the Wellbeing House, which focuses on helping students understand how to take better care of themselves and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Finally, the Green House is the Sustainability House, where students work on keeping the school campus clean and promoting good environmental habits, such as recycling correctly.

In Explorer Time, lessons usually begin with a presentation led by the Explorer teacher, where students learn about important school updates and notices. Students may also explore interesting and useful topics such as national awareness days, the importance of sleep, effective study techniques, cyberbullying safety, and the impact of social media on our lives.

After this, students have time to read, revise for exams, or complete homework. This helps students stay organised and use their time productively.

Another important part of Explorer Time is the weekly agenda check. Students have their agendas signed by parents each week so families stay informed about upcoming exams, homework, and school events. This helps create better communication between students, parents, and teachers, ensuring everyone stays updated.