Senior School and transition process - Year 5 parents

Summary of the Year 5 Parent talk about the

Senior School and transition process

Our aim is to ensure that parents have a comprehensive understanding of the preparations and structures in place which enable pupils to transfer to senior school effectively.

The Senior School at Habs 

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The Senior School is a busy and exciting place to be, with a climate that stimulates intellectual curiosity, and where pupils engage with the broad spectrum of opportunities available to them. It is an extension of the values, culture, and love for learning that we foster here in the Junior School, on a bigger scale.

The whole school staff community forge strong links between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 (both pastorally and academically). Curriculum, behaviour, and school values all dovetail as pupils progress through the school.

Our Transition programme We have a clear structure that prepares your daughter for the senior school: 

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Throughout her time in the Junior School, we build a comprehensive picture of your daughter. Along with our knowledge of the Senior School, we tailor the support and extension we offer every pupil, as they come through the Upper Phase and prepare for Lower 4.

At any time, any concerns parents or staff may have about a pupil are raised as part of our school-parent partnership. This continues to be the case in the Upper Phase, within the framework of increased expectations of your daughter succeeding and accessing the curriculum at the required pace.

Changes to homework expectations, with an increased emphasis on independent organisation and completion of more varied tasks, prepare your daughter to switch between skills and disciplines.

Year 5 Spring term – all parents are invited to a meeting with the Head and Deputy Head of the Junior School during the scheduled Parents’ Evenings to discuss their daughter’s move to a secondary setting. This may, in a few instances, result in an increased level of support and oversight, with a plan of identified targets being worked on to support the pupil as she moves into Year 6.

All parents are invited to open mornings in Years 5 and 6, to tour the Senior School, meet Mrs Hardy and ask questions.

Year 5 and 6 pupils have opportunities to try out Senior School lessons, and to speak with pupils and staff in Lower 4.

Frequently Asked Questions Is there any difference between JS students and external students in Lower 4?

Yes! Your daughters have had the benefit of a breadth of curriculum that purposefully dovetails with the Senior School curriculum and expectations.

They already have an understanding of the size and scale of the school, and how to access all that is on offer to them.

How will I know if the Senior School is not right for my daughter?

Whether it is because you have noticed that your daughter’s light is dimming and approached us, or we have approached you about how best to support your daughter, conversations begin early and are part of us supporting the wellbeing of the whole child.

How can I help my daughter with this process?     

Support their growing independence, encouraging them to take control of their own organisation.

Allow them to make mistakes and face consequences. Encourage resilience through a positive framework, emphasising learning points and giving specific praise.

Utilise the Tooled Up website/app; make the most of the bespoke wealth of support and pertinent information.

Don’t have your daughter tutored – we want your daughter to thrive in the Senior School without additional tutoring.

Talk to us; work with us and ask questions if you have concerns or would like advice.