It’s that time of year when we start to think about the changes that are ahead of us. This week, we met the first group of Y6 children that we will be supporting this term and into the autumn term with their transition to high school.
Most of the children we met were both excited and nervous about their upcoming move. They told us they were excited to make new friends, to learn new subjects, to join clubs, and to have a new start. They also told us they were worried that they would not make friends, they might be picked on, the work would be too hard, they would get lost. All these responses are felt by most Y6 children at this time of year.
Please spend time talking to the Y6 children you know in school and at home – reassure them, answer their questions, and help them to prepare. Give the children responsibilities, encourage them to get their own school bags ready each day, remind them to get their uniform out the night before, teach them to make their own snacks – do this during the summer term in Y6 to help to prepare them.
Teachers – ask the Y6s once, to remember to bring an object to you the next day e.g., a leaf, a spare sock, a PE top …. The more they do this, without reminders or parental support, the easier it will be for them when they are at high school to organise themselves. Parents – practise the route to school over the summer holidays, look at the high school website together, let them ask questions and help them to find the answers.
Change is difficult for many of us, but the more prepared we are, the easier it is to make the change exciting and something to look forward to. The Y6 children have so many exciting opportunities ahead of them; as adults, we need to help them to make the most of these opportunities by supporting them to become independent, resilient, and enthusiastic, so they can reach their potential and have a great high school experience.
We wish you all a wonderful half term break (2 weeks for some of you) – the sun is due to shine, so make the most of the beautiful weather (we have been waiting for it for long enough!) We will then see you all for the last half term of the year – how has this year gone by so quickly? Thank you for the amazing job you all do for the children and the families in your care.
Reach Behaviour 