Transition week is a well prepared event at BSAK, a time when we welcome our Year 6 Primary students into the Secondary Community for 5 days of sample lessons, discovery and fun.  Gathering feedback on this week, many of the children admit to feeling nervous at the thought of going into a new environment and worried that they will fit in and find friends.  This is very understandable, and it's why we've tailored our programme to reassure each child, stimulate their curiosity and build their confidence so that they they can more easily transition into their new school.  At the start of the week, the children stay in their existing, Primary class groups, where the familiarity of faces and friendships is comforting, making the new adventure an exciting team event. Here they experience secondary lessons across the whole range of subjects, take part in an assembly with their new Head of Year and also a House assembly where they learn all about the Secondary House System.

By the end of the week, it's amazing to see how their confidence has grown as their questions are answered and they discover that their earlier trepidation is unfounded.  At this stage the children are placed in their new class groups and spend time getting to know each other and their tutor, doing sport and team building fun.  They also have a chance to meet some of the students who will be joining us in Year 7 from other schools.

 

Having gone through transition, our current Year 7’s are very keen to help address some of the worries that they experienced this time last year.  They will be on hand during the week to support our incoming students, to chat, mingle and show them the ropes. 

 

Here are some of their comments. 

 

 

Ameera,  Year 7 Phoenix - At the start of the year I was feeling pretty nervous. With millions of questions scattered in my head; Will I make friends? Will people like me? Will I see my friends? But now that I have experienced almost two terms of year 7 I have enjoyed it a lot and my fear of not making new friends has gone. Being in the same class for many years with the same friends, means you get used to those around you, and makes you think that you won’t make new friends easily. But in reality it doesn't work out that way. When you join a class with different people it actually helps a lot; you meet new people, you get to know each other and you make many new friends. I hope my experience helps you & good luck 

 

 

Beth, Year 7 Centaur - I really enjoyed transition week, and all the years above were very welcoming. Every teacher is nice and they teach you all about Secondary School. Lunch times are especially fun and you'll meet the Head girl and boy at this time and they'll answer all your questions! The first day is nerve racking, but when you get into your lessons you begin enjoying it more than ever. Your teachers stay with you for the first couple of days, and you get a map to help guide you around. You can ask questions of anyone and they will give you an answer.

 

 

 

Holly, Year 7 Phoenix - At first I felt extremely nervous and curious about moving into Secondary School.  It felt like such a big step to take at the time and I thought I would always get lost, but once I experienced transition week I became less worried about everything because I realised moving from Primary to Secondary really isn't that scary at all. I am separated from my original Primary friends in lessons because they are in X and I'm in Y, but I still have plenty of time to be with them at break and lunch. Teachers are welcoming and everybody makes new friends. Although you might not be with your bestfriend or you may not be placed in the form you wanted, you'll soon find out that Secondary School is a blast. It has so many more opportunities, fun lessons, clubs and activities.

 

 

Celina, Year 7 Hydra - Although many of us were nervous to transition to Year 7, it was eye-opening to see that Secondary School is an amazing experience. The teachers were so kind and the lessons were so fun. We all left transition week feeling very comforted and prepared for the adventure ahead.

 

 

Adrian, Year 7 Griffin -  I am extremely glad to say that Year 7 has been brilliant and full of challenges, which have been exciting to tackle. The events that I've been involved in over the first two terms have been outstanding, and I am sure everyone is happy with the new pitch and football. It has also been a pleasure experiencing new subjects such as Drama, Arts Enhancement and more. The PE and sports organisation in Secondary School is absolutely bewildering, but really well organised with a fabulous array of choice.

 

 

Ayesha, Year 7 Phoenix - At the beginning of Year 7 I was feeling nervous. VERY nervous. There were so many questions in my head; Will I make friends? Will I get along with people? Will I get good grades in classes? Who am I going to eat with? Will people like me? There were just so many questions that it was nearly impossible for me even to talk. All my other friends were put into different houses and the only time I ever got to see them was at morning break and lunch break. But that only lasted for a while; soon enough I made tons of friends and Secondary School wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Everyone is so lovely that if anyone ever needs help with anything, there is always someone here who is happy to assist.  Once I settled in ( which didn't take a long time ) I got the hang of making my way around school and now I know it like the back of my hand. I'm sure you will make a great student at Secondary School as well. Just remember, there is nothing to be scared of in transition week and in your first year here..GOOD LUCK!