VIAT Trust Booklet

VALLEY INVICTA A C A D E M I E S T RUST

2021-2022

The VIAT Commitment to Transition

Introduction Going from primary school to secondary school is a time of mixed emotions for parents and their children.

However, there are ways you can help make the transition process easier and instil more confidence in Year 6 students. Transitioning from primary to secondary school can be an anxious, yet exciting time for everyone concerned. New surroundings, new friends, new challenges and new choices are all on offer as your child opens the door on their first days of secondary school.

Children will join a new community where new social and behaviour rules can apply. The sixweek summer holiday gap can feel like an even larger gulf than in previous years which can, in some cases, cause a ‘dip’ in performance. The school environment, which is quite different to a primary school setting, can create a longer period of ‘settling’ in time to assist transition. The transition, when managed effectively, can maximise the alleviation of any worries the students might have.

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Research by students at Oxford University found that there were five key elements - in the eyes of a child - which constitute a positive transition:

1.

They are able to develop new friendships, and improve their self-esteem and confidence;

2.

They settle in to school life in a way that causes no concerns to their parents;

3.

They show an increased interest in school and school work;

4.

They get used to their new routines and school organisation with great ease;

5.

They experience curriculum continuity.

Valley Invicta Academies Trust recognises that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to transition into a new environment does not work. Every child is different: academically, emotionally and socially, and our school pastoral teams will work with all children on an individual basis, to provide support, advice and guidance wherever it is needed.

This booklet will help you prepare your children for their first day - and the years to follow – and, hopefully, make the transition process easier and more successful for everyone. We asked educators, current Year 7 students and their parents (who have experienced the transition) for their advice on the key information and best tips to give to Year 6 pupils who are getting ready for the next phase of their education.

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Section 1 – Student Tips “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken the joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Albert Einstein

Moving to Secondary School Moving to secondary school is a big and very important step and can be a daunting experience for some children. Here we have some tips and advice directly from our students who remember exactly what it was like to make the transition from primary to secondary school.

“Joining Year 7 is exciting and not as hard as you think!

Secondary school is quite a big change from primary but you soon get used to it!”

“Remember that everyone is feeling the same and to worry a little shows that you care! Please do not worry too much though.

Hopefully these tips will help you.”

“I was nervous but after just my first day, I loved my new school and soon didn’t miss primary at all.”

Travel Tips Some of you live within walking distance of the school, but the majority of you will travel by bus or train. Many of you will not be used to public transport, so it is a good idea to practise your journey several times over the summer holidays. Remember, when you wear your uniform, you are an ambassador of the school and your behaviour should reflect this. We want you to stay safe when you travel to and from school - make sure that you cross the roads carefully, especially when in large groups, and always use the crossings properly. Avoid using your phone when you are crossing roads and do not allow music to distract you.

You will need to be sure of the following:

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The location of the bus stop or train station you will use to get to and from school.

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The time you will catch the bus or train and the time of a later one.

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How to get from the bus stop or train station to school.

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The time of the bus or train for the return journey.

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What you should do if you miss your bus or train. Plan this with your parents.

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How to read a bus/train timetable.

Finding your way around school Do not worry about losing your way around the school. The maps provided in your school planner and your transition days will help you in September, and an older student will be available to escort you for the first few days. Always ask an older student or teacher to direct you if you are unsure. All of our secondary schools are very friendly schools and there is always someone to help you. Our Year 7 students are looking forward to helping you.

Making Friends Talk to everyone! Get to know new people and deepen your friendships with those who you know from primary school or out of school clubs. Take part in after school clubs where you can – they’re a great way to make new friends!

Homework Homework will be new to some of you. In Year 7, home learning should take between 60 and 90 minutes each night; this will comprise of 20 minutes each for 3 designated subjects, or 40 minutes/20 minutes for 2 subjects with an additional 30 minutes of reading or revision tasks. Use your iPad and planner to help you remember what needs to be done for homework, as well as the date it is due back.

You should do your homework on the day it is set; if you have a club that you go to on a particular evening you will need to organise your time more carefully. You can use the Library at lunchtimes to do some of your homework when you have a busy schedule after school. There is a supervised Homework Club in the library from 3.30pm to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday. Teachers will record all homework on EduLink.

Lunch and Break Time During your first week at secondary school, lunch will be served 10 minutes early for Year 7 students.

If your parent/carer has decided that you will use the Dining Room facilities, you will use your cashless catering card to buy lunch. This card will be issued to you on the first day at school. Please ask your parents to make sure that they have put money on your card, before you start at the school, via the online payment system. Alternatively, you can bring a packed lunch. You can eat lunch in the Dining Room, Hall or, if the weather is suitable, outside. For health and hygiene reasons, you must not eat in your Tutor Room.

How much do school lunches cost?

Approximately £2.50 will cover the cost of the hot main meal and dessert but you may choose other food from the Dining Room such as salads, pizzas, paninis, pasta, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, fresh fruit and yoghurt. Vegetarian options are always available.

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Being organised and ready for Year 7 learning Continue to challenge yourself with mathematics and reading even after you have completed your SATS in May. We expect our students to read at least 20 books a year so keep reading! It is a good habit to read every day for at least half an hour before bedtime and always have a book in your bag. If you do not already have a Kent Library card, please apply for one; it is free and gives you access to a substantial amount of resources.

You might also consider widening the genre of books that you read and you could try new authors too. A trip to the library is always a good way to spend your free time and an excellent way to try new books.

To challenge yourself further with mathematics and numeracy, the NRICH and UKMT websites offer excellent fun resources and activities. Look out for the regular challenges on these websites too.

Uniform You should wear your school uniform with pride at all times, including travelling to and from school, at break and at lunch time. Your skirt must always be knee length. With permission from your teacher, you may take your blazer off during lessons. Blazers must be worn at all times when moving around the school site. You will also be expected to wear your uniform at Consultation Afternoons and other school events held outside normal school hours.

Using lockers You will have your own locker that is usually in the locker tunnel or in your Tutor Room. You can keep your books, equipment and valuables in your locker. You should always keep it locked by using the padlock issued as part of your Year 7 Study Pack.

Meals and budgeting/using a card When you are at secondary school, you can choose what to eat for lunch. You can choose either packed lunch or a school dinner which you pay for on the day. The restaurants serve a variety of snacks and different meals; all of the food is delicious!

The payments are made using a bank debit card or Go Henry card which your parents can top up for you.

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Section 2 – Parent Tips Visit the school in advance if you can As a parent, it’s up to you to insist that you and your child both attend orientation events. Even just visiting the school and getting a good idea of the environment and atmosphere can help put your child at ease on the first day.

Children who are anxious about moving to a new school may hold back from asking to visit, so it can help if you are the one to suggest and organise it. Attending open days or an orientation evening to gather as much information as possible will help both of you come to grips with what is expected in the next year.

Maintaining friendships and making new friends Your child may have gone through primary school with the same group of children so they are likely to have built up many friendships. The idea of making new friends can be daunting. Your child might be lucky enough to have their classmates join them at secondary school, but in most cases they will only know a handful of children.

You can help prepare your child for this in a few ways. Get them involved in community activities or holiday clubs, where they will make new friends before the school year starts - even if these children will not attend their secondary school, it’s a good practice run!

You can also try to find out who in your local area will be attending the same school and introduce yourself beforehand. Open days and orientation evenings are a great chance to meet other parents and children who will be in the same situation as you.

Once at school, joining extracurricular sports or clubs is another way for your child to make friends with people who have similar interests. Just make sure that adding an extra activity doesn’t impact negatively on their homework.

Schedules and independence At primary school, schedules are usually dictated to your child by a teacher or by yourself, but when they move to secondary school, schedules will vary from day to day. They will have classes with different children and teachers, and they will need to be responsible for their own homework schedule.

We suggest that, in the year leading up to the transition, you offer your child more opportunities to vary their schedules and be in control of planning. It will give you a chance to step back and see how well they manage while you are still able to help in a more hands-on way.

During the summer before your child enters the secondary system, prepare yourself - and them - by encouraging a more independent way of living. Explain that life will be quite different, with opportunities to be a bit more independent, and prepare them for that.

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Homework and time-management As mentioned above, your child will have to learn to manage their own time and homework schedule. Assignments are no longer issued one day and due the next. They will have varying deadlines, and teachers in different disciplines will not necessarily think about homework in other subjects when they assign their own.

If your child is struggling to cope, see if you can help them put together a study rota. If the tasks become too much altogether, see if there is someone at the school you can speak to for advice. You may find that time-management is the root of the issue, or it might be that there is too much being assigned.

It’s important for your child to understand that homework levels will increase at secondary school, so there may be less time for social activities - such as having friends around, watching TV, or extra-curricular activities.

We suggest keeping the extras to a minimum for the first part of the year until your child adjusts, and then adding activities until you find the right balance.

When it comes to homework, try to set aside an area at home where they can focus and concentrate. If you are all in the kitchen preparing dinner, your child may end up distracted.

Every child has a different attention span, so make sure you find a solution that suits them.

Remember this is their homework, not yours! Be available to talk it through and praise them when they’ve done a good job but don’t do it for them. Don’t be afraid to question them but also learn to let them respond.

Most children don’t want to fail so it only takes a few assignments with bad grades to change how willing they are to answer your questions.

Setting boundaries With secondary school comes more responsibility and, in many cases, greater independence. Your child may walk to school alone or want to meet their new friends for parties or get-togethers.

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Rather than waiting for to this to happen, why not sit down with your child and decide on the ground rules; think curfews, parties, and dating... It’s worth asking their opinion first, as they might already have very realistic expectations. If you have wildly different views, it’s better to get them out in the open and discuss them, rather than having a disagreement on the night of a big social event!

As a parent, you have to remember that your child is growing up and they aren’t the same as they used to be. You need to be able to give them space to spread their wings whilst also keeping them safe. Before you sit down to discuss, think about what you (and, if relevant) your partner expect and where you might be willing to compromise - it will make it easier when you are discussing these issues directly with your child.

Letting them speak first will also give them a sense that you are willing to listen to what they have to say; it’s also key that when you disagree you have reason to back up why you believe you are acting in their best interest. Model good, positive problem solving; confrontation often results in stalemate.

Mobile phones Set the ground rules for usage and who is paying the bill so that you don’t get any nasty surprises, but also let your child know that in an emergency you’ll always be at the other end of the line. For the first few days, make sure you are available if they call and send them an encouraging text or two. Don’t bombard them with messages or call them - they should be in lessons - but be supportive and remind them you’re there if they need you. Remind your child that a phone should not be used in lessons and that they should keep it in their bag when they are taking public transport.

Information and communication Get to grips with the curriculum as much as you can. We know it can seem like a long way off but familiarise yourself with the requirements for completing schoolwork set successfully. Knowing the process means you can keep an eye on your child’s progress and if things are going off track - you’ll be able to support alongside their teacher.

Follow the school’s website where dates and events are listed. Check this regularly, as information will not always be forthcoming from your child. It will also help you to establish term dates, holidays, exam periods, and so on.

Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teachers. Don’t expect them to know as much about your child as their primary school teacher did - they don’t spend as much time with them. Try not to base your opinion of a teacher on stories from other parents; make your own judgements and when situations arise, work with your child’s teachers to provide the best support network you can. Supporting and having an open line of communication with the school will help your child in a positive way.

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Section 3 - Questions from Year 6, answered by Year 7 pupils

A message from our Year 7 students: We would like to welcome you to our schools. All of the VIAT secondary schools are just like big, close families; we all work together and enjoy sharing our successes. We are sure that you will love being here as much as we do. As we will be in Year 8 when you join one of our secondary schools, we will be your buddies and look after you, so don’t worry. We look forward to meeting you very soon.

VIAT highly values the thoughts and opinions of all of our students and so we decided to ask their advice and opinions on the questions sent to us by the current Year 6s of the five VIAT primary schools.

Q: How many classrooms are there?

A: There are over 50 classrooms in our secondary schools and some have lots of buildings whereas others only have one.

Q: Are the teachers fair?

A: Yes, the teachers are very fair and give you plenty of help. You will like them!

Q: Are people kind?

A: Yes, everyone at the school is extremely helpful and happy to help you.

Q: How many people are in school?

A: There are approximately 40/50 staff and 200 students in each of the school year groups.

Q: Is the work more difficult than in Year 6 by a lot?

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A: The work is not much more difficult, but it is definitely more challenging and it gives you more skills.

Q: Are canteen tables round?

A: Sorry to disappoint you but the canteen tables are square!

Q: Do we do sports?

A: Yes, we do sports in the Sports Hall once every week including, rounders, basketball and tennis.

Q: Is the clothing comfortable?

A: Yes, the clothing is very comfortable and the blazers are padded.

Q: How will I get round the school?

A: You will have a map and timetable at the start of the year and you will be able to find your way around.

Q: Will I get lots of food at lunchtime?

A: You can get as much or as little as you want. You will be able to get pizza, desserts, pasta pots and even fish and chips! The food is so tasty!

Q: When is break and lunch?

A: The times for break and lunch are – break 11.00am – 11.30am and lunch is 1.20pm – 2.00pm.

Q: Am I allowed my phone at break and lunch?

A: You are not allowed your phone in the whole school day other than when you leave the school grounds.

Q: When am I allowed to go the toilet?

A: You can go to the toilet if you have a medical exit card anytime but, if you don’t have a card, you have to go between lessons and at break or lunch.

Q: Do you take bullying seriously?

A: We do take bullying very seriously and people can get a suspension if things are not acceptable.

Bullying is not a problem at our secondary schools.

Q: How many different lessons do we have?

A: We have around 10 different subjects taught to us on a two week timetable.

Q: How much homework will I get?

A: You will get around 1-2 pieces a day and will normally have a week to do the homework.

Q: Am I going to make friends?

You will find lots of friends everyone is very welcoming and will always help you.

Q: Am I going to get lost?

A: If you get lost, then the teachers will understand and after a while you will get used to where you are going. You have a map in your planner just in case. You will learn your way around very quickly.

Q: What happens on your first day?

A: On your first day you will get a tour around the school and will be welcomed by every teacher, and meet your new classmates.

Q: What happens if my belongings gets stolen?

A: If your belongings get taken, teachers will not tolerate it and will sort this problem out.

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Q: What if I am late?

A: The teachers are very understanding but, possibly if it keeps happening, then you may get a note in your planner.

Q: Will there be a transition day in my new school?

A: 1 July is the first transition day.

Q: How will I know what uniform to wear?

A: There are multiple places where you can find lists of the uniform needed like the school website or information from Pages Schoolwear or Simmonds.

Q: How long are detentions and what do you get them for?

A: A detention starts at half an hour and after every detention it raises by half an hour.

Q: Will I have to wear a mask?

A: We are hoping by the next academic year we won’t have to wear masks (unlike us Year 8s - we had to wear masks for a year).

Q: Will I have to undertake Covid tests?

A: We would hope not and we are almost certain you won’t have to, but unfortunately we aren’t 100% sure at this point. Look out for any new guidance that’s reported.

Q: Will I need to wear my long hair up?

A: In PE, DT and Science, particularly, you will have to tie up your hair but not on the average school day.

Q: Will the pace of learning dramatically change?

A: Not at all, the pace is at a pace just right for you.

Q: How safe are you in school?

A: We are safe and cared for so there’s no need to worry.

Q: Moving forward each year, does your form group change?

A: Only your teacher and the group name change each year.

Q: When do we find out which form group we will be in?

A: You will get an email letting you know your form group three weeks before school starts.

Q: Are football teams in Year groups?

A: Yes, there are.

Q: How much work are you expected to do in each lesson?

A: All the tasks you’re given, which is similar to primary really.

Q: Do you get to choose lessons?

A: Not until we are in our GCSE year.

Q: What happens if you don’t get the school you want?

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A: You can appeal or go to another good school.

Q: What happens if you behave badly?

A: We have a VEDO system in place: V-verbal warning E-exit D-detention O-on call Q: In Chemistry, are there dangerous chemicals you will need to handle? How will they make sure I don’t hurt myself?

A: The chemicals are sometime dangerous but the teacher will make sure you are safe. These lessons are so much fun!

Q: Is there more freedom?

A: There is a lot more freedom in secondary school such as you can choose your options in Year 9 and during lunch you can go to any area (apart from inside class room) at any time.

Q: Which subject is the hardest?

A: All the subjects are easy if you are good at them but teachers will always help you if you are struggling and need more help.

Q: Will we have our own lockers straight away or do we have to wait until we are a certain year group?

A: You will get them when you arrive in Year 7.

Q: Do we have to switch classes for all lessons?

A: We have to switch classrooms every lesson but we also have double lessons and then you do not have to switch.

Q: Are they strict about uniform?

A: They are understanding about uniform for the first couple of times there’s a problem but if it’s the same thing over and over again you will be pulled up for it.

Q: What if an older student bullies you? They will be more tough than me.

A: There isn’t bullying in our schools, but if there is, you should tell your form teacher or student support and they will stop it as soon as possible.

Q: Is the Maths more exciting than primary school?

A: Maths is very fun in secondary school and you will learn so much.

Q: What do you do if you arrive to school early?

A: If you arrive early to school and you have had breakfast we have things like waffles, bacon sandwiches, pancakes, porridge and coffee (if you’re allowed it).

Q: Are you allowed to use your phone?

A: Once you get past the gate you aren’t allowed to use your phone but once you get out the gate, yes you can.

Q: Do we have a card to buy food?

A: You are expected to use your bank card or Apple Pay to buy your food. We do not bring money or cash into school and our parents buy tickets and pay for trips using Wisepay which is very easy to use too.

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Q: What happens if you fail a test?

A: If you fail a test, you will get a lower grade at the end of the year or term but don’t worry because then the teacher knows that you need help.

Q: What does suspended mean?

A: It means you can’t go to school for a couple of days for doing something bad and you also have to do your work at home.

Q: If you wear skirts, do you have to wear tights or can you wear socks?

A: You have to wear tights with a skirt unless it is very hot and then you can wear ankle socks. You can wear trousers instead of a skirt if you want to though.

Q: Do I have to have a school dinner or will I be able to bring packed lunch?

A: You can bring packed lunch or you can take in your bank card to buy school lunch which is delicious!

Q: What do I do if I am getting too much homework and not able to complete it?

A: You could try and talk to the teachers that set the homework, go to student support or you could also prioritise what is due to be handed in first.

Q: If my bus is always late, will I be blamed?

A: No, all the teachers are normally understanding and as long as you tell them what has happened, it will be fine.

Q: When do you normally find our who your form tutor is?

A: Normally on the first day of school.

Q: Will I be in the same classes as my friends from Kings Hill?

A: You will find out on your first day when you are in your new tutor groups.

We like to make new friends and meet new people.

Q: What is a sanction?

A: There are 3 different types of sanctions in your planner. Section 1 is behaviour; Section 2 is homework not being handed in and Section 3 is forgetting any of your equipment or books.

Q: What is a prefect and how can I become one?

A: We have Head Girl, Head Boy, Deputy Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy, Senior Prefects, Student Voice, Subject Prefects, Charity Committee, Form Captains and Vice, Sports Captains, Accessibility Captains. You have to apply by writing a letter to Mrs Beales and the other Headteachers in our schools.

Q: How do we know which toilets to use?

A: They are clearly labelled male and female to make it as easy as possible for you to know which toilets to use.

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Q: How many different lessons are there in a day?

A: There are five lessons in a day not including form time.

Q: What languages will we learn?

A: You will learn French and Spanish.

Section 4 – Key terms and Vocabulary used at Secondary School Key Term

Definition

Science Lab

The laboratories where science lessons take place. The equipment in the laboratories is very sophisticated and you have to be sensible when you use it.

SSM

Student Support manager – someone who can help the students if they have a worry or question.

LM

Learning mentor – someone who assists in lessons and is there to support learning of all students.

Sanction

A note in your planner if you make the wrong choice, misbehave or forget a piece of homework or miss a deadline.

Detention

A period of time after school when you need to stay with your Head of Year and reflect on the choices you have made.

Pastoral team

The team of your Head of Year, learning mentors and student support manager who look after you and make sure you are always happy and safe.

Prefect

A position of respect where you can apply to be a Prefect for your area of specialism.

Planners

A very important book that helps you with your organisation.

“Grab and go”

If you have a lunchtime club, you are allowed to go to the front of the queue and select a meal that is wrapped and ready to go.

Tutor/Form time

How you start each day with your Form tutor and go through the notices and plan for the day.

Personal development

How teachers and the pastoral team support each and every student in the school to grow personally.

Language and Linguistics

French, Spanish, German and the study of languages.

MFL

Modern Foreign Languages.

BEN

Business and Economics lessons.

Sir/Miss/Mrs Gidley

How to address teachers at secondary school in conservation and via email.

HoY

Head of Year – the person who looks after the students in Year 7, Year 8 and so on. This person will lead your assemblies.

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VALLEY INVICTA A C A D E M I E S T RUST

VIAT Huntsman Lane Maidstone Kent ME14 5DS Tel: 01622 755856