Traditionally, a "class" where you study, do homework, etc., but which in practice is usually a lot of so nothing and goofing off. I think it's a way to get funding for educational minutes without actually having to have anything taught for a period.

OK thanks. Does it (despite the name) take place in a conventional class room? Just wanted to check that the implications wasn't that it was particularly bad for covid transmission, like a big crowded gymnasium or something.

> Does it (despite the name) take place in a conventional class room

I think usually yes, otherwise you call it something like a "spare" (i.e. a period where you don't have a class and aren't monitored).

I suppose "hall" probably traditionally refers to something like a "great hall" or "meeting hall" not a "hallway", i.e. a relatively large room.

In most circumstances (assuming it's during normal school hours and not an after-school program or something) it's in normal classrooms. I think there's some variation on whether students can't choose a classroom (IE "I need to work on or get help with Math") or it's always an assigned room (IE "my study period is always Ms. XYZ's room).

In this particular school it is just the name they use for the large auditorium when it is not being used as an auditorium. It is a large theater-like space with seating and a stage.