Change can be difficult, especially for young people. Whilst children regularly show resilience and adaptability to change, transitioning from Primary to Secondary school can be challenging for students. What we call 'transitions' here at LCIS, therefore, encompasses a number of levels of support and guidance for students and parents to help navigate the process and ensure a positive start to secondary school.
What are the differences between Year 6 and Year 7?
Our approach at LCIS is multifaceted. The differences between Primary and Secondary are numerous. The main and most noticeable difference is that rather than having one teacher throughout the day, students in Year 7 will learn with and interact with numerous staff.
In Year 6, a student knows that if they have, for instance, a Maths problem, they ask their teacher for help. That same teacher will also help with a Science question or a non-academic problem. One teacher is the fulcrum for the student experience. In secondary school, students are taught specific subjects by different teachers in different classrooms, meaning they must interact with many staff members throughout the day.
This can be a challenging and disorientating experience for students in the early days, which is why we have a robust pastoral system consisting of staff who focus on the wellbeing of students, guiding them through the changes from Year 6.
The Secondary Pastoral System
Experienced and dedicated teachers staff our pastoral system. Each student will be assigned a 'homeroom', and they spend the day's first class with their homeroom tutor.
A homeroom tutor's role is to support students in managing their day-to-day life at LCIS. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents if they wish to contact the school about their child. Aside from completing the register, this time can also be used for House challenges and activities, assemblies or PSHE (personal, social and health education).
In conjunction with the tutors, each year group has a 'pastoral lead' – an experienced member of staff who coordinates the year group tutors and is responsible for dealing with more urgent matters should they arise. The pastoral lead is also a key member of staff for parents to contact should they have any concerns. In short, Year 7 students have a team dedicated to ensuring they are supported, happy and settled in secondary.
Supporting A Smooth Transition
LCIS supports transitions in many ways. Early in Year 6, teachers will begin to have conversations with students about the move to Secondary – worries, concerns, and what they are excited about and looking forward to. They may also begin to familiarise themselves with some of the IT platforms we use in secondary.
Each year from March onwards, Primary and Secondary staff begin to liaise to support students with several activities. We have recently completed a 'treasure hunt' in the Secondary section for Year 6 so that they can familiarise themselves with the secondary area. Each June, we hold a 'transitions day' where Year 6 get to meet secondary teachers, experience some lessons, and familiarise themselves with key staff members. In addition to this, much work is done behind the scenes. Year 6 teachers and key secondary pastoral staff will meet to discuss each student in the year group so that we can best meet their needs when they arrive in August.
Parents are also supported in the process. Parent information sessions explain the pastoral system and life in secondary, as well as key academic differences, such as the curriculum followed in Year 7. Parents are always welcome to contact the secondary team to ask questions and seek information about the change to Year 7.
A Positive Experience
The transitions process does not end in June with the transitions day; it continues throughout Year 7 with targeted support from the homeroom tutors, pastoral leads and classroom teachers. Every year, our Secondary staff look forward to welcoming the Year 6 students. To make their journey through Secondary school successful, we place great emphasis on building positive relationships with the students and, of course, the parents too.
Top tips to support your child's successful transition into Secondary
1. Homeroom tutors and class teachers are here to help. Contact them when you have questions or concerns, and stay updated with your child's progress in settling in.
2. Help your child to stay organised - have they got a copy of their timetable? Do they know when their deadlines are?
3. Find time to talk to your child about their day and lessons, and offer support when they do their homework. Knowing you're interested makes a huge difference!
written by Emily Hardwicke, Assistant Head of Lower Secondary
