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 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 – Shine Through Transition

All Year 6 pupils who are allocated a place at the Academy attend a Transition Day in the summer term.  Pupils will be afforded the opportunity to meet new friends and their teachers. Throughout the day as well as experiencing exciting lessons, pupils will explore our Star values, routines and Culture of Kindness and Respect so that with the support of our Highfield family they feel able to shine through transition. Pupils are invited to an additional team building day during the summer break. 

 

Parent Induction (Partnership Evening)

Here at Highfield Leadership Academy we recognise that the transition from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone, not only for pupils but for their parents and carers. Our Partnership Induction gives families the opportunity to learn more about the Academy’s ethos, routines and expectations.

 

Pupil Leaders

We also implement a peer based mentoring scheme to ease the transition from primary to secondary school, which provides 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.

Younger pupils who wish to talk about their expectations of high school can speak to Academy pupils who have recently gone through the experience as well as members of staff. Our pupil leaders are approachable, compassionate and patient, with good listening and communication skills. Our youngest pupils enjoy drawing on the experience of the older pupils who 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 academic progress of pupils is tracked over their five years at the Academy by their Form Tutor, Head of Year and Directors of Learning. The pastoral team will monitor the emotional well-being of all pupils providing support when necessary.