Year 7 Student Guide (18)

welcome to year 7 at Glyn School Your Student Guide to Starting Secondary School

Starting secondary school is an exciting new step. You will meet new people, explore new subjects and become part of a bigger school community.

This guide will help you understand what school life will be like and how we will support you as you move from Year 6 to Year 7.

welcome from Mrs Garrod, Headteacher Welcome to Glyn!

We’re so excited to have you join our school community. Glyn is a friendly and supportive place where we believe every student has something special to offer.

Our aim is to help you grow in confidence, discover your strengths, and enjoy learning both in and out of the classroom. With respect, integrity, and kindness at the heart of everything we do, we’ll help you feel ready for all the new opportunities ahead.

Our School values

Integrity

Respect

Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

We treat everyone in our community with respect.

Kindness

Endeavour

Kindness means supporting others and showing care and understanding.

Endeavour means working hard, persevering and trying your best, even when things feel challenging.

what this means for you At Glyn School we encourage you to: • Try your best in lessons • Treat others with kindness and respect • Be proud of your achievements

Everyone belongs in our school community

• Support your classmates

Behaviour expectations To help everyone learn successfully, we expect students to: • Arrive at school on time • Wear the correct uniform • Bring the equipment you need • Work hard in lessons • Treat others respectfully

Positive behaviour and effort are recognised and rewarded in school

welcome from Mrs Pearson, Head of Lower School Welcome to Glyn!

Starting secondary school is a big and exciting step, and I’m really pleased to welcome you into our Lower School community.

Over the next three years, my role is to help you become GCSE ready—that means not just doing well in your lessons, but also learning how to look after your wellbeing and becoming a confident, independent learner.

You will discover how you learn best, build your confidence, and develop important skills like resilience and self-reflection. Along the way, we’ll share some exciting milestones together—from your first days settling into secondary school, to growing in independence, and eventually choosing your GCSE subjects in Year 9.

At Glyn, we have high expectations, and we will support you every step of the way. Whether you need help, have a question, or want to share something you’re proud of, my door is always open.

I can’t wait to welcome you all and see everything you will achieve as part of our fantastic school community.

welcome from Mrs S Stanton, SENDCO & DIRECTOR OF STUDENT EXPERIENCE I’m so pleased to welcome you all to our school community! As the Head of SEND and the Director of Student Experience, I’m here to ensure that your personal development journey is as enriching and supportive as possible. We are a community that truly values everything that each individual has to offer, and I can’t wait for you to dive into all the extracurricular and exciting opportunities available, including representing your house in the wonderful activities we have on offer, you’ll have a variety of activities to enjoy throughout so many different department, sport, drama, music and so many more. Most importantly, we’re committed to making sure you feel safe and happy here at our school. I look forward to working with you and your families to make that a reality!

welcome from mISS J Stanton, Head of Year 7 Welcome to Glyn! Starting secondary school is a big and exciting new adventure, and I will be here to support you every step of the way. As Head of Year 7, my role is to help you settle in, grow in confidence and make the most of all the opportunities ahead. You'll meet new friends, try new things. If you ever have a question, a worry or something to celebrate, there will always be someone here to listen and help. I'm really looking forward to getting to know you and being part of your journey at Glyn.

welcome from miss DAVIES, dEPUTY Head of yEAR 7 Starting secondary school is a big step, and I want you to know that you won’t be taking it alone. One of my roles is to guide you through this new chapter, help you settle in, and make sure you feel confident, supported, and ready to thrive.

You’ll discover new subjects, meet new people, and find opportunities you may never have imagined. Some days will feel exciting, and some may feel challenging—and that’s completely normal. What matters is that you always have someone to turn to. Whether you have a question, a worry, or something you’re proud of and want to share, we are here to listen and help.

I’m genuinely looking forward to getting to know each of you and seeing the amazing things you’ll achieve. This is the start of your journey at Glyn, and I’m proud to be part of it.

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY Coming to school regularly is very important for learning.

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The House System When you start at Glyn School you will join one of eight Houses:

Your House includes students from Years 7 to 13, so older students can help support you.

Houses take part in competitions and activities throughout the year.

Uniform & equipment The House System When you start at Glyn School you will join one of eight Houses: Everyday Uniform (Mon–Fri) Glyn blazer Plain white shirt Plain black trousers (no denim, skinny fit, canvas) House tie (show at least 5 stripes) Plain black or grey socks Plain black shoes (no boots, trainers, canvas, plimsolls, suede, logos) Optional: Plain black V‑neck jumper

PE Kit (All Year)

Glyn PE T‑shirt (logo) Plain royal blue shorts Plain white socks Non‑marking trainers Cap + sunscreen for sunny weather

Winter Games Kit (Sept–Apr)

Reversible royal blue/gold games shirt Royal blue shorts Plain royal blue football socks Football/rugby boots Shin pads + gum shield Hat + gloves for cold days

Students must wear their blazers at all times, keep shirts tucked in with the top button fastened, ensure their tie shows at least five stripes, and maintain neat, school‑appropriate hair.

Break & Lunchtime The House System We have two main places where you can get food and drink at break and lunchtime:

When you start at Glyn School you will join one of eight Houses:

Main Canteen

The Street Kitchen The Street Kitchen is just for Year 7 & Year 8 but you are also welcome to go to the Main Canteen.

There are a range of tasty options!

Example Menu

We operate a cashless system and all students pay using their fingerprint which will be taken when you join.

Homework Homework helps you practise what you have learned.

Each week you will usually have: • Maths homework (Sparx Maths) • English reading or spelling tasks Other subjects may ask you to review knowledge using self-quizzing and knowledge organisers

Clubs, activities & trips

There are lots of exciting activities outside lessons.

You might take part in:

• Sports teams • Music clubs • Drama activities • Board games club • Duke of Edinburgh Award • Combined Cadet Force • Kew Gardens . Isle of Wight Residential

Important places around the school Student Reception Learning Resource Centre (LRC) The school library where you can: • Borrow books • Complete homework • Use computers • Join clubs

You can go here if: • You feel unwell • You have lost something • You need help or advice

Sports Facilities PE lessons take place in the Sports Hall, School Field and at Priest Hill playing fields.

Finding Your Way Around School

This is Eddie.

Look out for him in the Quad

Secondary schools are bigger than primary schools, but you will learn your way around quickly.

Helpful tips: • Follow signs around the school • Ask a teacher or older student if you need help • Keep your timetable with you

YOUR FIRST WEEK AT SECONDARY SCHOOL Your first week will be all about helping you feel comfortable and confident.

You will: • Meet your Form Tutor and classmates • Learn your timetable • Explore the school buildings • Meet your teachers • Learn about school rules and routines

SUPPORT WHEN YOU START

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Many staff members are here to help you settle into school life.

These include: • Your Form Tutor • Your Head of Year • Your House Leaders • The Pastoral Support Team Older students in your House can also help answer questions and show you around.

Mobile Phones At Glyn, we want your time in school to be focused, positive and free from unnecessary distractions. From September, all Year 7 & 8 students will take part in our phone-free approach.

Mobile phones will not be used during the school day. Instead, all Year 7 students will be issued with a pouch, provided by the school, to safely store their phone during the day.

The pouch will be a small, secure case that your phone is placed into at the start of the day. Once it is closed, it stays locked until the end of the school day, when it can be opened using a special unlocking station. You will keep the pouch with you throughout the day, so your phone is safe but not a distraction.

If you need to contact home during the school day, or if your family needs to get a message to you, this can always be done through Student Reception, where staff will be happy to help.

Your Yondr pouch is part of your school equipment and should be looked after carefully. If a pouch is lost or damaged, a replacement will need to be purchased through school.

We know that starting secondary school is a big step, and this approach is designed to help you settle in, feel confident, and make the most of every opportunity—both in and out of the classroom.

Things Year 7 Students Often Say “Making new friends was easier than I expected”

“The teachers help you if you get stuck.”

“You get used to moving between lessons quickly.”

“There are lots of clubs to try.”

Questions You Might Be Wondering What if i get lost?

Teachers and older students will help you find your way.

What if I don’t know anyone?

Most students are meeting new people too — friendships grow quickly.

What if the work is harder?

“There are lots Teachers explain everything and help of clubs to try.” you learn step by step.

What if I need help?

There are always adults in school who will support you.

Top tips Practice your route to school over the Summer.

Arrive to school by 8.20am so you aren’t late to lessons.

Always make sure your uniform is smart.

Pack your bag the night before to ensure you have the correct equipment.

Don’t worry about the size of the school, it will appear big at first but you will know your way around in 2 weeks.

Speak to your Form Tutor or Head of House if you are worried - they will help you.

Work hard from the start!

Don’t leave your homework until the last minute.

Get involved! Try lots of different sports and clubs this helps you make new friends.

Listen to your teachers in lessons. Don’t be afraid to put your hand up and ask for help.

Be confident and don’t worry! There are lots of people here to help you.

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Starting Year 7 is the beginning of an exciting journey.

At Glyn School you will: • Make new friends • Discover new interests • Learn new skills • Grow in confidence

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Time t o start making memori es

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