Student Life
The students have an extremely busy time here during the working week. Fulfilling the unique curriculum can move one person from music practice to the middle of the Moray Firth in minutes. Students thrive on this and the pace is exciting and makes for an interesting day.
The opportunity for choice is available at all levels, both on the curricular and extra curricular front and actively encouraged. Being able to voice an opinion is also extremely important and is at the heart of our student body. Year group councils, inter house council systems and the Colour Bearer body, all form voices for the students to put across their opinions and discuss relevant issues. Students are keen to take responsibility and this is offered in a wide range of roles that mix non and teaching staff groups with the students, ensuring that the voice continues through at all levels.
A typical School Day
During the weekend the formal school day begins after breakfast with Morning Assembly at 8.20am in St Christopher's Chapel. Thereafter and until 2.35pm there are seven academic lessons as well as a morning break and lunch. Students follow the timetable below:
| 8.20 am |
Chapel |
| 8.45 - 10.50 am |
Lessons 1 - 3 |
| 10.50 - 11.15 am |
Morning Break |
| 11.15 - 11.55 am |
Lessons 4 and 5 |
| 12.35 - 1.15 pm |
Lower School Lunch (Lesson 6 for Seniors) |
| 1.15 - 1.55 pm |
Senior Lunch (Lessons 6 for Lower School) |
| 2.35 pm - 3. 15 pm |
Return to Houses to change into sports/activities kit |
| 3.15 - 4.30 pm |
Sports/Activities/Seamanship/Services |
| 5.00 pm |
Music Ensembles/Drama Rehearsal/Clubs/Silence Period or First Prep in Houses |
| 6.45 - 8.15/8.45 pm |
Prep in Houses |
| 8.40 - 9.30 pm |
Relaxation and Voluntary Clubs, Recreational Activities as well as some Rehearsal and Music Practice |
| 9.30 - 11.00 pm |
Bedtime (depending on age) |
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On Saturdays there are lessons until 12.35pm and after lunch there are team games fixtures, organised activities and weekend expeditions. Social events are organised for all age groups in the evenings.
On Sunday breakfast is a little later at 9.30am. For students who are confirmed they may wish to attend the Holy Communion Service at 8.30am in the historic Michael Kirk. Alternatively students may prefer to attend the main School Chapel Service in St Christopher's Chapel held at either 10.15am or 7.00pm. Catholic mass is also available for those who choose to go.
Weekends
The School's curriculum runs throughout all seven days of the week and therefore much of the curriculum - such as expeditions and voyages on the School's sail training vessel - takes place at the weekend. Some clubs meet during the day on Sundays and there are frequent inter-House sports competitions as well as drama and music rehearsals and performances. The School's creative facilities as well as the library and IT department are open during the weekends for students.
Through a quiet period in Houses between Chapel and Lunch, we ensure that students have some quality time for academic work. Voluntary outings and activities also take place on either a School or House basis.
At the end of the weekend, all students return to the Houses at 8.15pm on Sunday evenings to prepare for the new week ahead.
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