The transition from
primary school to secondary is a lengthy process which aims to make the move as
positive and supportive as possible as this can be a nerve wracking time for
both students and parents. At Central
Academy we have a dedicated pastoral transition team who work with our partner
primary schools throughout the year to facilitate a smooth transition for all
students from start to finish.
The transition program
begins with a member of the Central team visiting each student at their primary
school and spending time meeting the students, answering questions and
gathering information from class teachers which helps us to plan for the
arrival of our new Year 7 students the following September.
In the summer term some students
and parents visit the Academy for 1:1 tours and meetings with key staff, all
with the aim of ensuring that each child is prepared and ready for the move to
Central. These sessions are tailored to individual needs and can involve
members of the pastoral team, SEN team and representatives from partner
agencies including primary colleagues.
Our academic transition
day sees the Year 6 students join us for a day of lessons during which they
will be placed in their teaching sets (based on the teacher assessment data
from the primary schools). This is the final opportunity for students to spend
time in Central before joining us in September and a highlight is having lunch
in our canteen as well as being able to see older siblings and friends hard at
work during the day. Assembly closes the day as it does each day at Central.
During the evening
parents are invited into the Academy and a packed program of events take place.
These include sessions on pastoral care; academic processes and extra-curricular
activities, as well as the opportunity to meet the catering team to discuss
dietary needs and have individual discussions with SEN staff. Students and parents
will meet the form tutors, a key member of staff and the first link between
home and the Academy. The Principal
hosts the evening and is delighted to welcome our new families into Central
Academy.
The first few weeks in
September hails the end to our transition program with the arrival of the Year
7 students. The vast majority adapt very quickly to the new routines and
challenges of being at secondary school. However for those students finding it more
difficult we offer varied and practical support until they are ready to move
forward on their own. Our early parents’ evening for Year 7 families is in the first
half of the Autumn term at which time the transition process can be evaluated
and any remaining concerns addressed.