Working Hard to Support Seamless Transitions
Our Year 7 and Year 12 students often face difficult transitions to Secondary and IB. Our Secondary Team is focusing on helping students through these often challenging times.
Transitioning into Year 7 and Secondary
One of the highlights of Year 7 Transition Days is the emphasis on teamwork. Students are introduced to the concept that they are part of a larger community. They learn the significance of working together towards common goals through ice-breaking activities, group projects, and collaborative challenges. This teamwork orientation sets the foundation for their future academic and personal growth, teaching them that achieving success often involves the contributions of many.
Wellbeing takes centre stage during these transition days. The school recognises that a healthy mind and body are prerequisites for effective learning. Workshops on stress management, mindfulness exercises, and discussions on mental health empower students to prioritise their emotional and physical wellbeing. By fostering a supportive environment early on, the school sets the tone for a nurturing and caring community.
And what's a school transition without some fun?
Year 7 Transition Days are packed with enjoyable activities that make the experience memorable. From school orientation tours that spark curiosity to IT use sessions that make learning engaging, students are immersed in an exciting world of education. The Formula 1 racing activity, for example, not only provided an adrenaline rush but taught problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Time spent with their tutor is another crucial component of these days. It allows students to develop a strong connection with a caring adult who can guide them through their early years of secondary school. This mentorship ensures that each student feels valued and supported in their academic journey.
Year 7 Transition Days serve as a bridge between the familiarity of primary school and the challenges of secondary education. By instilling values of teamwork, prioritising wellbeing, and infusing every moment with fun, these days lay the foundation for a successful and enriching academic experience. They leave students excited, motivated, and prepared for the exciting journey ahead.
Mrs Jo Stedman, Head of Year 7
Transition into Y12 and the IB
Like the transition to Year 7 the transition into Year 12 and the IB can be challenging.
At the beginning of September, we had a successful IB induction day where we welcomed a number of new students who are already wonderful additions to our year group and two new tutors and IB teachers to the year group; Ms Hookes and Mr Palmer.
The induction day included five taster sessions on some new subject areas for IB. Students were introduced to CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), ToK (Theory of Knowledge), EE (Extended Essay), and the Student Futures and Study Skills by the lead teacher of each subject. Each session involved a different activity, from creating a persuasive defence of an ant's habitat to writing a letter to their future selves, a spot of weeding in the school garden, a word association quiz and an ideas generation game.
The purpose of these taster sessions was not only to bring all the students back together after a long summer off after their IGCSE exams, but also to entice and inform Year 12 of the fascinating things to come during their IB course and to give students the opportunity to start thinking in the IB mindset.
In addition, during the first few lessons in each subject, we have focused on the core skills and understandings that will set students up for success in the coming two years. For example, ensuring that all students thoroughly understand the course, what resources are available and the best way of researching and taking notes in each subject. The aim being that all students begin the year with total confidence and a sound foundation.
We are very proud of the way that this year's group has matured, and we have some fantastic new students who are making a positive impact on the group - it’s going to be a great two years!
Ms Sophia Hammacher, Head of Year 12
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