PRIMARY TRANSITION

The transition from primary school to secondary school can be filled with both excitement and anticipation; however some pupils may experience anxieties and concerns.  We recognise that this is one of the most significant moments in a young person’s education; therefore pupils are welcomed through a very supportive induction process that commences during the summer term of Year 6:

  • From May pupils and class teachers are visited in their primary schools. During these visits pupils are spoken to about our school and how they will be inducted. Thereby allowing pupils to develop a sense of familiarity with Grays Convent School staff

  • In June pupils and parents are invited to attend a New Entrants evening where they will meet the Senior Management Team, Head of Year 7, Form Tutors and SENCO. This will help to promote the development of essential links between home and school. We also liaise closely with primary schools to support this process

  • During July Year 6 pupils will attend 5 Induction days, where they are introduced to members of staff and various curriculum subjects. This enables pupils to understand everyday life at Grays Convent and appreciate the high expectations the school places upon them. Where there is only one pupil attending from a primary school, they will attend an additional Induction day prior to the start of the Induction process.

It is very important that pupils feel ready to make a positive start to secondary education.  However, we appreciate that some pupils will require extra support.  A vast network of support is available to all Year 7 pupils.  In addition to the Head of Year, support is also received from Form Tutors, Year 7 Prefects, Reader Leaders, Staff Learning Mentors and Intervention Team.

Once pupils are settled, a wide range of extra-curricular activities are available from Drama, Music and sporting activities to gardening and friendship clubs.  We also offer an after school homework club where pupils will be supported by a member of staff. 

Year 7 pupils are given the opportunity to be elected to the school council team where they can voice their opinions of their year group.