Smooth Transitions
We understand that starting a new school can be a daunting prospect for pupils and parents alike. With that in mind, we run a rich and varied programme of transition activities to help our Year 7 pupils feel at home from the moment they set foot in our school.
Our varied programme of events and activities enables us to get to know your child before they arrive in Year 7, so that we can do all we can to help them quickly feel at home with us at St Joseph’s.
We have a dedicated Head of Year 7 and Tutor Team who remain with Year 7 pupils each year. These members of staff are experts in transition from primary schools and are able to help your child settle in as quickly as possible.
The Head of Year 7 will spend time in our primary feeder schools, talking to pupils and teachers, making sure that the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is both smooth and effective.
Support and Nurture
Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 is a significant milestone in a student’s educational journey. Our transition activities are carefully crafted to provide students with the support and guidance they need during this pivotal time. By fostering a nurturing environment, we aim to ease any anxieties and build a strong foundation for future academic success.
From the transition activities to sports days run by the Sixth Form, to taster lessons and ‘meet your form tutor’ days, we do all we can to make the transition as easy as possible. We want every child to know their way around their new school, and to know the people and places hey can turn to if they need some help or advice as they settle in.
Experience St. Joseph's!
Watch our video to see the highlights of our transition activities, featuring interviews with students and staff, and capturing the excitement and community spirit that defines St. Joseph’s.
Joined up Learning
We work with all of our primary feeder schools to support our pupils’ transition. From French lessons to design technology projects, our teachers and senior pupils work on a range of year 5 and 6 transition projects to help make the move to St. Joseph’s as smooth as possible.
Transition Days
We run a full and varied programme of transition and taster days throughout year 5 and year 6, supporting our pupils to feel confident and comfortable in St. Joseph’s. From core subject taster lessons to PE and language projects, pupils have every opportunity to experience life at St. Joseph’s.
The Sports Day
Our transition sports day is a brilliant opportunity for pupils from all of our feeder schools to join together for a day of fun and competition. Run by our brilliant sixth form students, the day gives pupils the chance to meet their peers, work together and, most important of all, have fun!
Parents and Carers
St. Joseph’s is a community, and keeping parents, carers and the wider family up-to-date is a key part of our transition work. We run a programme of events, starting with the open evenings for year 5 and 6 pupils, and including ‘meet the form tutor’ sessions, a welcome mass and a ‘check in’ session within the first few weeks in September.
What Our Community Says
Emily, Parent
“The transition activities at St. Joseph’s were incredibly well-organized and made my daughter feel welcomed and supported. The transition days were particularly beneficial, helping her make friends and feel at home in her new school.”
Cerys, Year 7 Student
“I loved the activity day the Sixth Form organised for us. It was really good fun, and helped me get to know peoplefrom lots of other schools who were coming to St. Joseph’s with me.”
Beth, Parent
“I am so grateful for the caring staff at St. Joseph’s. The transition activities provided my son with the tools he needed to succeed and feel comfortable in his new environment. It’s been a wonderful experience for our family.”