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.
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.
Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
We treat everyone in our community with respect.
Kindness means supporting others and showing care and understanding.
Endeavour means working hard, persevering and trying your best, even when things feel challenging.
At Glyn School we encourage you to:
• Try your best in lessons
• Treat others with kindness and respect
• Be proud of your achievements
• Support your classmates
Everyone belongs in our school community
To help everyone learn successfully, we expect students to:
• Arrive at school on time
• Wear the correct uniform
• Bring the equipment you need
• Treat others respectfully Positive behaviour and effort are recognised and rewarded in school
• Work hard in lessons
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 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.
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.
Coming to school regularly is very important for learning.
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.
When you start at Glyn School yo
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.
When you start at Glyn School you will join one of eight Houses:
We have two main places where you can get food and drink at break and lunchtime:
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!
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
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
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
PE lessons take place in the Sports Hall, School Field and at Priest Hill playing fields.
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 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
Staffwillhelp guideyou through everythingstep bystep.
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.
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.
“Making new friends was easier than I expected”
“You get used to moving between lessons quickly.”
“The teachers help you if you get stuck.”
“There are lots of clubs to try.”
Teachers and older students will help you find your way.
Most students are meeting new people too — friendships grow quickly.
What if the work is harder?
"There are lots of clubs to try."
Teachers explain everything and help you learn step by step.
What if I need help?
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 clubsthis 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.
