Transition Programme

The NBS Transition Programme For Year 6/7 Students

At Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School we take exceptional care to ensure that new students quickly feel that they are a part of our community. Our Transition Programme, run by Mrs Switters-Price, includes:

Year 5 Taster Sessions

Each year we feel that it is important to offer an opportunity for our Year 5 students to come along and gain experience and familiarise themselves with what life is like in secondary school. It is a very important time in the life of a pupil as they, along with their parents, are getting ready to make the decision in October of Year 6 about which secondary school is right for them and their child. The children are collected from their primary school to allow them to experience travel to secondary school and then embark upon four lessons in different subjects alongside being in the secondary school environment. We feel that this is an imperative part of our transition programme as it allows the pupils to become familiar with our school environment.

If you would like your child to attend one of our taster sessions and they do not attend one of our local catholic primary schools please contact Mrs Switters-Price at Switters-PriceK@nbs.herts.sch.uk

Interview With Members Of NBS Staff

At Nicholas Breakspear it is vitally important that we get to know your child as quickly as possible. At the beginning of May, the families of our new year 7 cohort are invited into school to have a chat with members of our school staff. In these meetings we will get to know your child’s hobbies, favourite subjects and so on – but more importantly, we will be able to alleviate any worries and concerns that they have about starting at secondary school. We also feel that it is so positive for your child to have a face that they recognise at the school when they arrive for their taster visit and as they embark on life at Nicholas Breakspear.

CATs Testing

Pupils will come into school to sit their CAT’s (cognitive ability tests) tests which allow us to gain valuable information about your child. Your child doesn’t need to worry about the tests, they are all completed online and this data alongside their SATs results allows us to put the correct support in place as your child starts in September.

Visits To Primary Schools

Every year we make a very special effort to visit EVERY pupil in their Primary school. This allows us to gain a better understanding of the students’ needs and for the child to continue to familiarise themselves with another staff member and to ask any questions that they may have. During this visit, the member of staff will run through school routines and procedures, talk to the class teachers to ensure that we know how best to support your child as they start at NBS and also allow time to answer any questions that the children make have. This is a crucial part of the transition process as it allows the students to really start to gain an understanding of their new school.

Transition Evening

The transition evening takes place at the end of June and it is vital that both the pupil and parents attend on this evening. It is the time when the pupils will meet their form tutors and new form group for the first time. This is when the pupils start to form friendships and bond with their new classmates. The students complete ‘getting to know you’ activities and go on a tour of the school which will help them familiarise themselves in their new surroundings. This evening also allows parents the opportunity to understand the school policies and procedures because it is essential that school and parents work together in partnership allowing the child to be at the centre of all that we do.

Transition Day

Children all over Hertfordshire go to their chosen secondary school on the second Thursday in July. This day allows the pupils to experience a full day in secondary school. They attend school arriving at 8.20 and will then attend five lessons alongside an assembly to start the school day. This day allows the pupils to really gain an understanding of the school routines and structures, and allow subject teachers to begin getting to know your child.

The transition to secondary school is a very daunting experience for both the child and the parents. At NBS, we are on hand to support the whole family on this journey from primary to secondary school. It is vital that once you have made your choice that you make every effort to attend all of the key dates for your child during this time. As a school we will ensure that we offer support to each pupil so that the experience is a smooth process for both pupils and parents. If you have any further questions about the transition process, please contact Mrs Switters-Price at Switters-PriceK@nbs.herts.sch.uk and she will be happy to discuss any worries or concerns that you may have.