Year 6 TRANSITION

The transition to secondary school is an extremely important time for students, both in terms of academic achievement as well as pupil wellbeing and enrichment.  Therefore, I am pleased to say that the Year 7 Pastoral Team are on hand to support your child at every step of the way, to ensure that they settle into secondary school life as smoothly and easily as possible.

We at Treorchy value the importance of establishing a routine during the first weeks of term and have high expectations of every student. Pupils will undergo an induction week when they arrive which will emphasise the school values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and ASPIRATION and provide them with an insight into the standards, skills and qualities that they will need to develop early in their school careers. We would also like to emphasise that punctuality and attendance play a very real part in academic success.  Similarly, wearing the correct uniform quickly establishes the year group identity and sense of cohesion.  Also, in addition to having an excellent attitude to learning in their lessons, all students are encouraged to join in the wide range of clubs and activities that we are lucky enough to offer here at Treorchy Comprehensive School.

Finally, I believe that the key to a successful year is open communication between staff, students and parents/carers – by working together we can achieve so much! Therefore, please don’t hesitate to contact me at transition@treorchycomp.org.uk should you have a question about any part of your child’s transition.  I look forward to meeting you and your child in the coming weeks

Mr D Morgan Assistant Headteacher (in charge of Transition)

cOVID-19 UPDATE

Treorchy Comprehensive School prides itself on being a ‘community school committed to excellence’. With this in mind I hope that you are all looking after yourselves and each other by following government guidance regarding social distancing and self-isolation by staying at home.

During this period of uncertainty, I would like to reassure you that we continue to plan and prepare to provide our pupils with the best education and opportunities to meet their individual needs whenever the time comes for them to return to school.

Unfortunately, the Transition process for the current Year 6 pupils will be affected due the government guidelines, however, we will be providing an on-line version and virtual sessions in school that will hopefully go some way to preparing the pupils to starting in Treorchy Comprehensive School in September.

Below there are a number of resources which will hopefully give you the information you need to prepare for your move.

YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM events

Induction Week

In September, all pupils undergo an induction week in the first week they arrive at Treorchy Comprehensive School. The week is designed as the final part of the induction process which enables students to get into the routine of secondary school life whilst remaining in their Learning Coach group. Over the week pupils will have lessons in school values, restorative approaches, Prep skills (working independently), timetables, planners, classroom basics and PE/Music tasters. The ensures that all pupils start the new year on the right foot, especially our newest pupils.

Year 7 Pastoral Parents’ Evening

In November, we invite all Year 6 parents for an appointment with their child’s learning coach to discuss any concerns and to see how their son/daughter has settled into life at Treorchy Comprehensive School. This is an important time for parents and learning coaches to get to know each other and consolidate the home-school partnership that is so important in supporting your children. In addition, Mr Morgan (Assistant Headteacher) and Mrs Macauley Lane (ALNCO) as well as other key staff will be available to discuss any concerns you may have.  There will be another parents evening in March to discuss pupils progress.

Year 7 Christmas Family Assembly

In December, Year 7 celebrate the festive period by performing their Christmas family assembly. The whole year group are involved in either singing, reading or performing on stage and parents and carers are invited to join us to close their first term at Treorchy Comprehensive School.

Other important Year 7 Events

• Welsh Department Llangrannog Trip – January 2022
• Year 7 Parents’ Evening – March 2022
• Sports Awards Evening – May 2022
• Year 7 Family Assembly – July 2022

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Induction Week

As a school, we maintain high levels of contact with parents. The Pastoral team will often write to parents, contact them by telephone or invite them in to discuss issues of importance about their child’s welfare and progress. Likewise, we encourage parents to contact us if they have any concerns they would like to discuss. There are regular Parents’ Evenings throughout the school year where parents can speak to their child’s subject teachers.

Year 7 Groupings

Year 7 students are traditionally divided into learning coach groups, teaching groups for core subjects and humanities and languages. These are mixed ability groups that reflect our comprehensive intake. These groupings are also an opportunity to make new friends with young people from different primary schools.