Getting ready for secondary school

At The Cotswold School, our experienced group of teachers and support staff ensure that Year 6 pupils settle comfortably into Year 7: the transition year. We know that starting secondary school can be daunting for 11-year-olds. The values of ‘friendship and knowledge’ run through our work to welcome members of our community – new students as well as their parents and carers.

Covid-19 and limiting numbers of students in school
Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, we have been unable to run some of our usual welcome and transition activities. Our Head of Year 7, Mrs Bridgwater, explains more in a letter to Year 6 families, which you can read here.

Watch our ‘Welcome’ video
You can also hear from Mrs Bridgwater, Mr Morgan and Mrs Carter in our ‘Welcome’ video. Click here to watch it.

We are doing all we can to contact and communicate with you, even though we can’t meet you in person again just yet. Teaching staff usually visit larger local primary schools to talk to Year 6 teachers and children. In some cases, you might meet one of our teachers on the big screen at your primary school!

We offer a caring environment to learn, supporting new students and their families as they get to know our school. Many children who are moving into Year 8 volunteer to become student mentors, to help welcome, orientate and support all new members of the school.

Our student mentors are happy to help

“The student mentors answered my questions and helped me get to know the layout of the school”

“I can imagine how nervous the upcoming Year 7s will feel, with all the uncertainty with Covid-19. I want to help someone settle in and be more confident in their surroundings.”

“We are here to answer all the little concerns, so you really enjoy your first weeks at secondary school”

“I would encourage the new Year 7s to try out a variety of clubs, as I did, because it is a good chance to get to know other people in your year and make new friends.”

“Some people take more time to settle in and that’s OK. I will be there for them”

“It is about being there for people whenever they need you as well as giving them courage to find their own way. I will try and build their confidence and independence while helping as much as they want.”

The transition process usually starts with our Year 5 Open Morning in June, when children and parents/carers can visit us and meet our student ambassadors. Traditionally, we hold an Open Day and Evening in October. Perhaps you came to one of these events and explored the school?

As soon as places are confirmed, we write to all parents and carers and start the information collection process. The information you provide helps us to understand each new student and ensure we do all we can to help them settle into secondary school life as quickly and easily as possible. You might find some of the short videos and info-guides from BBC Bitesize helpful. Have a look here.

Year 7 induction day – 2nd September
This year, subject to government advice about reopening schools, we will welcome you on 2nd September. You’ll meet your tutors and classmates and we’ll show you around so that you start to find out where different lessons are taught. Our intention is that this will be a day for Year 7 students only, before students in other years start the term on 3rd September.