We want all students to get off to a flying start in Year 7 and develop a passion for learning. This section of the website contains a number of practical tips on what students and parents/carers need to consider ensuring that everyone enjoys the experience of moving into a new school.
Time spent early on establishing good habits of work and independence is an investment that will save endless battles in the long run!
So, what are the main changes that students will notice?
They will have to wear a full school uniform, maybe for the first time, and have a whole list of new rules and regulations to remember. Instead of one teacher, who has often known them since their early days, they will be taught by a number of different teachers and have to get to know a whole range of adults in different roles within the school.
They will have to use and interpret a timetable and a school home planner. For the first time students will be fully responsible for ensuring that they have the correct books and equipment for four or five different lessons, their lunch card, bus ticket, PE equipment, etc. each day. Students will be given full responsibility for recording homework, completing it by the correct day and giving it in on time. They will be shown how to record homework in their student planner, which will be checked by tutors as some students may need help.
• There will be new lessons (e.g. Technical Skills) and new variations on familiar ones (Science in a laboratory, for example).
• Teaching and learning styles may be very different. Students may be expected to write more frequently and for longer, and they may be expected to select appropriate reference books from the library.
• Lunch times will be organised differently with less adult supervision and students having a lot more independence in terms of getting back to lessons on time, buying their own snacks and lunches, etc.
• In short, students will have to be more independent and self organised. A welcome development for many but a challenge for most! So, how do we encourage them to become more organised? A useful rule of thumb is ‘never do anything regularly for them that they can do for themselves'. However, the ground rules needs to be established and a routine in place.
• Parents have an important part to play in their child's education. Mostly, this will include organising, supporting, nagging and cajoling them! However, you may find some of the following points useful in preventing your home deteriorating into a battlefield!