Seb Hamani writes:
The 6th Form coffee shop, “Benny’s”, began as a far simpler concept simply featuring a kitchen counter with a kettle, toaster, microwave and a sink. It was noticed that while many other schools’ common rooms supplied at least basic kitchen facilities solely for 6th Form use, ours had no such exclusivity; it was a widespread want in our 6th Form to match such facilities.
The idea was then taken to the 6th Form Council, who drew up plans and costs for the kitchen countertop. However when taken to Mr Keep, the school Properties Manager, the idea developed into something far grander which would occupy an entire section of the common room and become a far greater aspect of 6th Form life than the original countertop idea. Mr Keep effectively took over from there and, with his staff, created “Benny’s Café”.
Since its completion, Benny’s has had a deep impact on 6th Form life; the daily 12:55 exodus for the 6th Form gate transformed into a less rushed (though more competitive) shuffle to the Benny’s queue, while many (especially myself) find themselves able to wake up a precious15 minutes later with the prospect of having coffee and a waffle in school. The atmosphere in Benny’s seems to change throughout the day, from the dreary, heavy-lidded mumbles at 8:15 to bustle and excitement at lunch.
Although already finished, Benny’s is far from changeless. The staff members have been incredible at acting upon suggestions for menu additions, are ceaselessly cheery from morning to the end of the school day and never seem to grow impatient with the 6th Form rabble.
We sincerely hope that Benny’s continues to impact 6th Form life in the way it does now, continues to be respected and treated as it is and is always open to change as new year groups put on their black blazers for the first time.
(Edited by i2Q support - original submission Monday, 15 March 2010, 04:12 PM)