TRANSITION

We invest a huge amount of time in ensuring that each child has a smooth transition to secondary school. Once they have been allocated a place with us, we work on the principle of finding out as much about a pupil as possible before they start with us so that when they do start we know them well.

We have a well-established programme designed to support the transition from primary school into secondary school. We work closely with our ‘feeder’ primary schools to ensure that their Year 6 pupils are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities presented by secondary education, so that they can make a confident beginning at the Academy.

We provide a number of taster sessions throughout the year, a Summer Academy and a range of other introductory activities designed to support pupils making the move into Year 7. We also have ‘buddying’ schemes available designed to team new pupils with supportive older pupils who understand how it feels to be entering a new environment.

Pupil Induction

All Year 6 pupils who are allocated a place at the Academy attend an ‘Induction Day’ in the summer term. This day usually gives the pupils an opportunity to spend time with their new tutor group, meet new friends and, most importantly, start to meet some of the staff with whom they will be spending the next 5-7 years.

Our aim is to ensure that all our new Year 6 pupils feel as comfortable as possible about starting with us in September.  To make things a little bit easier and hopefully to reassure our new pupils, we have put together a few things to help with the transition:

 

  • We have produced a virtual tour of the school, so that you can have a look around the building as many times as you like! Take a look at the tour below.
  • We have also recorded a loom Transition Presentation for Year 6 pupils and their families, which will hopefully help to answer any questions you might have before you to join us in September.
Parent Induction

There is also a Parent Induction Evening for all Year 6 parents in the summer term which provides key information about the Academy. The induction gives parents the opportunity to learn more about the Academy’s ethos, routines and expectations and meet the Principal and Senior Leadership Team.

We have put together a Parent Transition Handbook which provides all of the information you will need for your child in readiness for September.  We also have a dedicated transition email address which you can use to ask any questions or for any queries you might have.  Please email transition@tong.staracademies.org if you have any queries regarding transition.

Summer Academy 

Our Summer Academy gives pupils an exciting opportunity to help smooth the path of transition from primary to secondary school. The programme focuses on improving literacy and numeracy through a planned curriculum and enrichment activities to boost creativity and confidence. Summer Academy pupils are able to meet new friends and teachers, navigate the Academy building and try lots of new and fun activities including trips and events.

Peer Mentors

We also implement a peer based mentoring scheme to ease the transition from primary to secondary school. The Peer Mentoring Programme aims to provide support for our new Year 7 pupils – individually and as a group, to help them settle in, make progress and to achieve their full potential within our Academy.

The programme allows younger pupils who wish to talk about their expectations of high school to speak to Academy pupils who have recently gone through the experience rather than to teachers / adults. Our peer mentors are approachable, compassionate and patient, with good listening and communication skills. Our youngest pupils enjoy drawing on the experience of the older pupils and our Peer Mentors provide Year 7 pupils with an initial, accessible point of contact from which to seek information and support during their early experiences at the Academy.

Transition Through the Year Groups

All key stakeholders work together to support transition through the Key Stages.  The Academy’s Pastoral Team comprises of Student Progress Leaders, Team Tutors and Learning Mentors.  Student Progress Leaders remain with their year group to ensure consistency while pupils transition through the Academy, nurturing strong relationships with pupils and their families.