The move from primary school to secondary school can be daunting for any child. Our aim at Catmose College is to make the process as smooth as possible, keep parents informed and ensure that our new students feel welcomed and supported.

To find out more information about life at Catmose College you can view our welcome booklet here.

We believe that a smooth, positive and exciting transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is crucial to the start of the students’ time at Catmose College.

AIMS

• To reassure Year 6 pupils about the transfer to College and to prepare them for College life.
• To inform parents of their choices and to enable them to fully support their child through the transition process.
• To give primary school staff the opportunity to pass on key information about their Year 6 cohort.
• To enable the College to gather relevant information about each individual student.

The period for transition can be difficult for students and parents alike. If handled correctly, students can begin life at their new school confidently and in a position to develop socially, emotionally and academically. Parents can feel informed and confident that their child will move smoothly onto the next phase of their educational life.

Catmose College recognises four partners in the transition process and aims to support them as described below:

TRANSITION

Prior to starting at Catmose College, we aim to make the transition for students as smooth as possible. This is done in a variety of ways:

• We have put together information and media to give you a flavour of life as a student at Catmose College. Our online prospectus is available to view by clicking here.
• A student booklet is provided to all students who gain a place at the College, providing key information about how things such as lockers and paying for lunch works.
• Transition Day allow for pupils to participate within lessons, meet key staff and ask any questions which they have before starting with us in August. It also allows them to become familiar with their new environment.
• Extended transition upon invitation is also provided for students who are identified as needing more support.
• Term 1 Transition Elective: During their first term all Year 7 students will spend Wednesday afternoons with their new form tutor and tutor group. Together they will complete tasks on: our Ethos, the Routines for Learning, the College layout, the House System and House Points, the Library, ICT and extracurricular provision.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Primary partners are required to complete a transition document for each student. This document requests key information on a number of areas:

• Academic Attainment including any SEN information
• Aspects of social, emotional or medical concerns
• Any other information deemed to be of relevance to the transition process.

CATMOSE COLLEGE

• Staff will visit or request information from the primary schools deemed to be of relevance to the transition process.
• Staff will use this information to select tutor groups that are mixed and balanced based on information gathered from primary colleagues through professional trust and partnership.
• Catmose College hold an Open Evening and Induction Day designed to reassure pupils and parents and enable them to begin the new phase of their education confidently.

KEY CONTACTS REGARDING TRANSITION

Senior Assistant Principal – Hannah Magrath – hmagrath@catmosecollege.com

Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator – Rebekah Merrington – rmerrington@catmosecollege.com

The role of a form tutor.

You will meet with your Form Tutor daily, they will take a register, pass on important notices and deliver the tutorial programme. The programme covers topics such as keeping healthy, staying safe online, relationships and how to manage your money. Your Form Tutor is your first point of contact if you have any worries or concerns, as well as helping you keep track of progress in lessons.

At Catmose College we pride ourselves on the service we offer to students and families. Our Client Services team plays a key role, supporting the form tutor in liaising with home and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about any aspect of your child’s time at College. We will work with you to ensure your child reaches their full potential. To find out more about our pastoral care please click here. To read more about our SEND provision please click here.