Year 6 Transition to High Schools

The staff at St Mary's understand that this transition period can bring mixed emotions to the children as they embark on the next phase of their educational journey. In class, we will be working hard to ensure any anxieties and questions are answered for all children. Equally, we will share their excitements and offer them reassurance about this important change in their lives. 

All High Schools in our area hold Open Days which is the best opportunity for you to visit the school, become familiar with the layout, understand the Curriculum Delivery and more importantly ask those vital questions that you and your child will have. The children may even see an ex-St Mary's Pupil who they are familiar with and can certainly get their questions answered. All the school show the dates on their websites and Year 5 is a great opportunity for you to visit before making your final decisions in Year 6. Schools do change and the improvements, further SEND support and information regarding uniforms, transport, enrichments activities will be there for you to see.

All of the schools will be arranging transitions dates whilst the children are still in Year 6. Here they will either travel to the school and be welcomed into the new environment where hopefully the staff will answer any questions they may have.  In addition, some of the school will come to St Mary's and have taster sessions within the school.

For Children with SEND Needs, many of the High Schools offer further sessions to acclimatise the children to their new schools which are vital to help calm any worries that they and parents may have, start to meet other children in a more relaxed environment and also meet staff that will be supporting them throughout the first year and for the remainder of their journey at the school. 

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School: https://www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org/primary-schools-transition

All Hallows RC High School: https://www.allhallowsrc.co.uk/transition

Moorside: https://www.moorsidehigh.co.uk/page/?title=Primary+Transition&pid=86

Swinton Co-op Academy - https://www.swinton.coopacademies.co.uk/parents/transition-from-primary

St Patrick's RC High School - https://www.stpatricksrchigh.co.uk/?s=transition

Your child's chosen High Schools will individually communicate with parents to advise about summer schools and any extra transition events they are putting in place to support learners. 

The links below provide advice to students and parents to help with the transition process. 

1. BBC – What is the difference between Primary and Secondary school - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zjgck2p/articles/zvw48mn 

2. BBC – Starting secondary school. Advice for parents and students. - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zh4wy9q/starting-secondary-school/1 

3. BBC - Transitioning to High School - Further Advice for parents and students - https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/articles/zkc9pg8

4. Young Minds - Transition tips for parents - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/professional/resources/supporting-school-transitions

5. Young Minds - Top Ten Tips - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/media/2odjlktz/top-ten-tips-for-parents.pdf 

6. Childline – Advice for starting Secondary school - https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/moving-schools/