Transition from Primary Schools

Transition from Primary School

Each September we admit into Year 7 240 pupils who are divided into eight mixed ability tutor groups. These children are looked after by a team of staff led by a Learning Manager.

Developing Socially and Academically

It is the responsibility of the year team to work with the pupils so that each child has the opportunity to develop socially and academically.

The child remains with the same tutor and Learning Manager throughout his/her time at Pleckgate. This ensures that the child and parents always have a point of contact with school - two members of staff who know the child well and who can offer guidance and support in many areas of school life such as examination subject choices, careers education. The last OFSTED report stressed the value and importance of the school's pastoral system.

Primary to Secondary Transition

However, even in September of Year 7, Pleckgate staff know about the pupils who are being admitted. Our staff recognise that the transition from a primary school to a school with 1200 pupils needs handling carefully. As part of this process, we are constantly striving to further links with our feeder primary schools. In the Autumn Term of Year 6, Senior Staff from here visit all our schools to invite the children and their parents to our Open Evening. This is an opportunity for parents and children to look around the school's facilities and chat informally to staff and pupils. Pleckgate staff also visit primary schools to take assemblies and to help with curriculum activities. Year 5 pupils are invited to Pleckgate for subject days during the Summer Term.

Meeting Future Pupils

During the Summer Term the next Learning Manager of Year 7 and his/her tutors visit the primary schools to meet their future pupils and talk to their teachers about them. At the end of June, pupils who will form our new intake are invited to spend an Induction day at Pleckgate. They are able to meet their tutor and Learning Manager, familiarise themselves with the buildings and meet other members of the tutor group. The same evening their parents are invited to come into school to meet Mr Campbell, other Senior Members of staff and, most importantly, their child's tutor and Learning Manager.