Prep 5 to Form 1 transition meeting Tuesday 26th May, 2015

Introductions Mr. Christopher Newton Form 1 Head of Year The purpose of today’s meeting: to outline our transition process and give you some essential information about the Senior School.

Parent handbook Parents will be given access to a portal which will have: updated information about school procedures and routines a list of useful s sent to parents calendar information contact & medical information absence data school reports rewards and sanctions staff lists and contact information The portal will replace today’s handbook.

Transition week

Taster lessons will be held on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th May. Your children will be meeting some of the Form 1 teachers as well as their Head of Year (Mr Newton) They will experience some of the lessons they will have in Form 1 – science, English, mathematics, geography or history and an introduction to Brazilian Studies. The morning session will allow your children to get used to the feel of the Senior School!

Tutor groups

We will have six tutor groups, which will have around 14 pupils in each group. Tutees will see their tutor every morning for registration, where they will take part in planned activities to get them going in the morning. They will also have an allocated tutorial session once a week which will be centred around our PSHE programme (on Wednesday period 7).

Organisation and presentation

Organisation & presentation In the Senior School we aim to develop independence and encourage our pupils to learn how to organise themselves. You can help us to do this by encouraging your children to check their timetable for the day ahead and making sure they have their equipment. We strongly encourage the use of the diary as a means of organisation.

What to expect Do not be concerned if each set for a subject is doing a different topic. They will all complete the same curriculum. This also means that homework assignments could vary from one set to the next. Again, do not worry. Pupils in Form 1 will have a homework timetable to provide structure and balance. Pupils should read in both languages for minutes each evening.

What to expect

The most important thing you can do as parents? Please support us by encouraging your children. Your child may find it overwhelming in the first few weeks... Keep encouraging them. They may struggle with homework... Keep encouraging them. They may fall out with friends... Keep encouraging them. They might find the work, assessments and expectations challanging... Keep encouraging them.

The first few days in Senior School

The first few days in the Senior School Help your child feel relaxed by ensuring that they arrive at school with enough time to find their tutor room and get organised. Make sure that your child gets enough sleep. Your child will receive their diaries and timetables. Your child will receive a locker and a combination padlock. Your child will continue to use their school account. Your child will receive a list of ECAs and should discuss their choices with you.

Communication and parent-teaching meetings There will be two parent-teacher meetings in Form 1 If other meetings are required, please make appointments to see tutors and teachers. If you need to communicate with the School the first point of contact is with your child’s tutor. The head of year can also be contacted but only unless the matter is of a serious nature Pupils will receive three reports and an end of year report Our aim is to make your child more responsible and independent in their learning, so encourage them to make the first move to solve problems.

How can I keep track of my child’s progress?

Ask them! They should have a good idea of how they are doing. Check their diaries. Read their reports and help set targets with them. Attend the parents’ evenings. Regularly check the school bulletin (Paulean) and Firefly. If you have concerns, ask the tutor.

Key dates

Wednesday 5th August Classes begin Monday 10th August, 5pm F1 Parents’ Welcome Evening October/November (specific date to be confirmed) F1 Parents’ Evening