Transition
Over the summer holidays, we take time to reflect on key aspects of our school provision and the summer term.
The aim of the transition programme is for pupils to prepare themselves for the next step in life, to reduce anxiety, assist in settling in quicker in September and to meet other pupils and possibly make new friends.
Parents of children in Reception who are transitioning to Key Stage 1 in September are invited to attend a move-up workshop in the second half of the summer term. This is an opportunity for parents to hear about the KS1 curriculum and have a tour of Key Stage 1 & 2. Pupils in Reception engage in transition activities exploring different parts of the main school.
Parents of children in Year 6 who are transitioning to Key Stage 3 (Upper School) are invited to attend a move-up workshop. This is an opportunity for parents to hear about the KS3 curriculum and have a tour of the relevant department. A transition information booklet is shared with the parents to guide parents through what can be a challenging and exciting time in their child’s life.
Year 6 leavers assembly took place on Monday 18th July and was an opportunity to celebrate the pupil’s journey at Lower School and to support them to be ready for their transition to their secondary school by saying goodbye. Parents and carers are invited to the event and work, photos, videos and music help to make this a very special individualised event for each pupil. Pupils get to take their year 6 hoodie home as well as a special framed certificate.
Transition: Year 9, 11
Parents of children in Year 9 and Year 11 who are transitioning to Key Stage 4 and 6th form in September attend a move-up workshop for KS4 and 11am for 6th form. This is an opportunity for parents to hear about the KS4 and 6th form curriculum and have a tour of the relevant department.
- Year 6 to 7: Planned transition links are individualised according to the pupils’ pathway. Year 6 pupils will receive a transition book at the Move up morning. Parents are encouraged to share the book with their child over the summer holiday to help them prepare. Video enhancement reflective Practice (VERP) intervention run by Dr. Lucy Ball (Educational Psychologist) is in place to support.
- Two Year 14 students’ link visits will be at Orchard Hill College. The college provided four link sessions this year.
- Meetings are held during July to ensure all staff have an in-depth handover about pupil needs from current class staff, following clear guidelines.
- All pupils will receive a transition information sheet identifying names, photos of class and pathway peers (where permission has been granted by parents) and staff. Parents are encouraged to share this information with their child during the summer holiday to help them prepare for their new class and pathway.