Dear Parent and Year 6 pupil

I am delighted that this year sees a return to our in-school transition programme after the last two years of virtual activities only. We will continue to update the transition section of our website but you and your child will have the opportunity to visit the Academy on several occasions before the start of Year 7 in September.
Over the next few weeks, either myself, Miss Thwaites and Mr Bishop will be visiting all Year 6 pupils who are coming to King James I. This will give us the opportunity to meet the pupils and to answer any questions they may have about starting secondary school.

Wednesday 14th June will see the first day of our ‘No Wasted Weeks’ project when your child will spend the day at King James I Academy working on literacy and numeracy-based activities. Further details for this will come through your child’s primary school.

Our Year 6 Induction Days will take place on 12th-14th June when students will get to try out a normal Year 7 school day ready for September. They will also meet their form tutor and get to know the other students in their tutor group. Further details will be sent out to you nearer the time.

There will also be two Parents’ Evenings: the first on Tuesday 23rd May gives you the opportunity to find out about the practical aspects of school life from transport, uniform and you will also be given information about the Chromebook scheme we run for all students in the Academy. You will also be able to sign up for the Summer School. The second Parents’ Evening will be on the 13th July when you will be able to meet your child’s form tutor.  It is important that you attend these meetings, if at all possible, as important information is given out.

At the beginning of the summer holidays, there will be the Transition Summer School which will have two days based in school before we spend three days at Weardale Activity Centre taking part in lots of outdoor activities. Links and information can be found on the website too.

We have also chosen the award-winning transition programme ‘Be Awesome, Go Big’ for you to complete. This is a series of activities, short films and texts to help you prepare for Year 7, starting with having a positive image of yourself and then looking at the different issues which you might have to face as you start secondary school. There are two books which complement the course and deal with transition but you do not need to buy them. To finish the project, there is a range of challenges which you can complete and then show your form tutor and Head of Year.

I look forward to seeing you at these events but in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

Miss Stephenson, Transition Lead Teacher