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Life at Papdale
Life at Papdale Halls is about much more than just a place to sleep. We aim to create a warm, active and supportive environment where students can pursue their interests, keep on top of their studies and feel at home away from home. This page covers everything from meals and facilities to homework support, activities and what happens if ferry services are disrupted.
For information about staffing, medical arrangements, ferry disruption procedures and inspections, see our practical Information for parents and carers page.
Facilities
Main lounge
The hub of students' recreational life, with a coffee bar, soft seating with garden views, two 50" screens, darts, two pool tables and an electric organ.
Switha - quiet room
A comfortable sitting room with bookcases for students who want to relax, read or have some peace and quiet away from screens.
Cava - television lounge
A small comfortable lounge for a small group to watch television together.
Standing Stones - library and homework room
A well-furnished library with study and recreational books, computers, an interactive whiteboard and full wheelchair access.
Dining room
More than just a dining room - the sprung oak floor is designed for dancing, the room has an in-house cinema with surround sound, a wall partitioning system for different configurations, and patio doors opening to the private garden.
Coffee bars
Five coffee bars throughout the building, each providing free tea, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, milk, water, hot chocolate and lemon tea. Fridges, microwaves and hot water boilers are available for students to store and prepare their own lunches.
Garden
A large private secure garden with a water feature, patio, raised flower beds, outdoor sound system and lighting, barbecue seating, outdoor chess and draughts, a greenhouse and compost area. An adjacent allotment supports the gardening club.
IT
All bedrooms are hardwired for computers. Ground floor and garden areas have Wi-Fi. A laptop docking station with 24 laptops is available for homework and research, along with eight computers in the library. Students log on through Kirkwall Grammar School's secure server.
Laundry
An industrial laundry handles all hostel bedding and towels. A separate student laundry has washing machines, driers, ironing boards, steam irons and a Belfast sink. There is a nominal charge for machines.
Other facilities
Family room for visits from family and friends; private payphone; baggage storage and lockers; large lockable cycle shed and external cycle racks; multipurpose floodlit playing field; visiting islands accommodation suite (Auskerry) with 16 student beds and 2 staff beds for short-term educational and recreational visits from other island schools.
Catering
Our professional catering team provides a bespoke food service using locally sourced produce wherever possible. All dietary requirements - including medical, religious and ethical needs such as vegetarianism, veganism, halal and kosher - are catered for through close consultation.
Three meals are provided each day. Lunch is normally taken at school, but a light lunch is provided for students who are absent due to illness.
- Breakfast (7.50am) - cereals, toast, fresh fruit, juice and tea.
- Dinner (5pm) - the main meal of the day, including soup, a choice of two hot dishes, a self-service salad bar and dessert. Fruit is always available.
- Supper (8.45pm) - toast, cheese and biscuits, fresh fruit or fancies.
Once a term we hold a themed night - Indian, Chinese, Mexican and other cuisines - chosen with student input. Students have an ongoing say in menus through evaluation sheets, the student council and food surveys.
Sample menus are available to download below.
Related resources
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Papdale Halls of Residence Sample Menus
This document contains sample menus for Papdale Halls of Residence. They include breakfast, cooked breakfasts, fish, meat and vegetarian main meals, along with desserts such as pies, puddings, cakes and fruit dishes. Lunch options include two-course meals with soup, sandwiches, baked potatoes, salads and savoury dishes, followed by yoghurt, cake or fruit. Packed lunches include sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt, snacks, cheese and bottled water.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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A Taste of Orkney Suggested Menu
This document contains suggestions for an Orkney-themed menu, including seafood platters, smoked fish, crab cakes, soups and scallop dishes for starters. Main courses include roast beef, salmon, scallops, Sandy pork and North Ronaldsay mutton. Desserts include Orkney fudge cheesecake, Orkney ice cream, Highland Park fudge sauce and clootie dumpling.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Homework and study
We work closely with Kirkwall Grammar School and island feeder schools to promote a strong ethos of study and educational achievement. Homework classes for all students in S1, S2 and S3 are mandatory and are staffed by our House Parents in the Standing Stones library.
Homework diaries are issued to all students and are designed to allow for comments and feedback from care staff and parents. All bedrooms are set up as study rooms with built-in desks, and computers log directly into KGS's secure server.
Activities
We provide or promote a wide range of activities with an emphasis on active and healthy living. As part of the admissions process we ask students about their hobbies and pastimes so we can help them stay involved in things they enjoy and try new ones.
We hold an annual Transitions Day, inviting clubs and societies to come to the Halls to meet students and promote their organisations - covering everything from martial arts and dance to kayaking and athletics.
Within the Halls there are pool tables, darts, table tennis, board games, electronic games and competitions with trophies. Students can access reduced-price swimming at the Pickaquoy Centre. Art activities, gardening, cooking classes and charity events such as quiz nights are also organised. The student council and food committee give students a direct say in how the Halls are run.
Related resources
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Monthly Activities Programme
This document contains the Papdale Halls of Residence activities planner for March 2020, with events held from 2 March to 2 April. Activities include games hall sessions, 3G pitch use, crafts, table football, indoor curling, Wii, baking, darts and prize bingo.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.