We understand that the move from primary to secondary education is, whilst exciting, often a daunting prospect for pupils and their families.

As such, we have crafted a well-thought-out transition programme, which we know delivers results. By providing our new cohort with opportunities to get to know their peers, teachers and environment long before they join us in September, pupils are filled with enthusiasm and raring to go. Similarly, the programme enables teachers and staff to get to know every child: their likes and dislikes, any vulnerabilities, learning styles, their passions and personalities, meaning every child experiences a bespoke learning experience, from the moment they join us.

Transition in Action

Welcome to Your Next Chapter – Friendship Afternoon

Having received their offers, pupils and their families are invited to our Friendship Afternoon in early March. The highlight of our transition programme, Friendship Afternoon is our first opportunity to meet all our new starters and treats pupils to a range of taster sessions and activities, and the chance to begin building friendships with their new peers, and relationships with teachers. During the event, parents and carers hear from key members of staff and Deptford Green students, with the chance to ask any questions and gain a real insight into life at our school.

Getting to Know You

Throughout the Summer Term our dedicated transition team visit primary schools to meet with our new pupils and their current teachers. This helps us to get to know every child, their personalities, interests, academic abilities, needs and vulnerabilities so that we can ensure every young person receives the education and support that they require.

In addition, we warmly open our doors once more to pupils and families for 1:1 meetings with our senior leadership team, to finalise any paperwork, answer any questions from pupils and parents/carers and continue to prepare pupils for September.

Induction

Come July, all new Year 7s will spend a whole day in school for the first time. The day will include a tour of the school, meeting their new tutor and classmates, and getting to grips with what life at secondary school is all about and what there is to look forward to.

      Team Building

• Our exciting Induction Day takes place in the July and provides another opportunity for our future Year 7s to build relationships with their new peers and teachers whilst taking part in fun activities, ice breaker sessions and meet with our student leaders, allowing pupils to develop positive and healthy relationships with older pupils from the start.
• In recognition of the challenges the summer break can present, our highly regarded and popular Summer School is led by teachers, staff and student leaders, focused on ensuring all pupils feel supported and prepared to start Deptford Green confidently in September, through engaging activities from all areas of the curriculum.
• The Summer Bridging Project is created in order to keep pupils busy and prepare them for the Year 7 curriculum, whilst easing any anxieties which may occur due to the prolonged period away from school. The main focus is on literacy and numeracy, ensuring a strong start to the Year 7 curriculum.

Meet the Tutor

A key member of staff in each students life and point of contact for families, Tutors play a vital role in every child’s transition. As such, Meet the Tutor events in October provides parents and pupils with the opportunity to strengthen these relationships by visiting the classroom and gain an understanding of how pupils have settled in.

This event is extra provision, and a formal parents evening will take place later in the academic year.

Residential

We tie in an exciting residential trip with our transition graduation. All year 7 students are invited to attend the trip centred around unforgettable learning-outside-the-classroom experiences that inspire students.

Such opportunities help to increase our students’ confidence and grow their curiosity through challenging and exciting outdoor activities. Such activities as high ropes, abseiling and zip lining help strengthen our students’ relationships as well as other desirable outcomes.

Graduation

In April, we celebrate our students transition into Year 7 and the development of their LORIC skills: leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative and communication, which we believe every child develops in their first term with us. Parents are invited to join us for this celebration.