Emrys ap Iwan

 Croeso, welcome to Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan.  Your child will be joining us in September 2022.

Leaving your primary school and moving to the new, much bigger world of secondary education can feel worrying and stressful.

Our aim is to make all our new learners feel welcome and safe so that you make a great start to what will be some of the best years of your life.

MRS VAUGHAN-EDMUNDS,

PASTORAL LEADER YEAR 7

AND TRANSITION

Starting secondary school - what are children most worried about?

Most children will typically feel nervous, scared and excited about transitioning to secondary school.  It is perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious or worried about a changing situation.  When moving to secondary school, studies have found that children are most worried about the following things:

 "I am worried about my child getting lost."   Buddies from Year 8 will help your child move around the school for the first few weeks.  Staff will also be on the corridors between the change of lessons, and at the start and end of the school day.

 "I am really anxious about my child losing old friends?"   We endeavour to maintain friendship groups wherever possible . Please speak to your child's form tutor should any issues arise.

 "What happens regarding discipline and detentions?"   The school has a clear sanctions policy.  Please contact the school for a copy.

 "My child is worried about meeting new people "   There will be many opportunities early on in the move to secondary school where your child is able to make friends and socialise. Buddies from Year 8 will also help with this settling in period.

 "How much homework will my child receive per week?"   Your child will have a schedule of homework that is consistent. In year 7, your child should expect approximately 4 and 5 hours a week. They will have core subjects each week and non core subjects every other week.

 "I am really nervous about my child being bullied"   We communicate to all learners and staff that bullying is unacceptable and emphasise the impact it can have on individuals. It is vital that learners know that the most important action is to tell someone so that the appropriate action can be taken.

There are lots of things that schools can do to help learners prepare for, and cope with, change - and also build resilience, self-confidence and self-esteem.

How can parents and carers help with transition to Secondary school?

Parents and carers are often key to making sure that a child has a good transition to a new school. These include:

• checking with your child to find out how well they are coping academically, but also in terms of their wellbeing
• keeping an eye on how they are socialising, if they are making friends and hanging around in positive peer groups
• helping your child to be cyber-savvy and understand how to be safe online
• providing opportunities for parents and carers and staff to link up.

 How will my new teachers know about my child's needs? How will they be supported ?

• We will work with local primary schools to identify children who may require additional support, and develop strategies to support them.
• We will create social events between transitional settings, including talks, taster days, Q&A sessions with children, parents and carers who have already been through the transition process.
• We will also develop a peer support or buddy system. This is where older learners support younger children with their move to a new school .

* If you have any questions or concerns you can contact Miss S Vaughan-Edmunds direct:

staff.sve@emrysapiwan.conwy.sch.uk

  YEAR 6 TRANSITION PROJECT (click image below)