Transition and Induction

TransitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. is the name given to the phase of education which covers movement between primary and secondary school. It is common for there to be a ‘dip’ in students’ achievement at the transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. stage. For example, a student can commonly end up at the end of Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. with lower National CurriculumThe National Curriculum consists of those subjects and programmes of study that schools are legally required to provide. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources.* and Free SchoolsFree Schools are all-ability state-funded schools set up in response to parental demand. At the time of writing, they are a new government initiative. Charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents can set up free schools. * do are not required to deliver the National Curriculum. levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally. than they achieved at the end of Year 6. Induction is the process of settling a Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. student into their secondary school. The quality of the experience a young person receives in their first few days at a new school can impact on their subsequent career. Parents will often say that a child, who was successful at primary school, inexplicably begins to fail at secondary school. Therefore, the right secondary school for your child will offer transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. and induction processes that seek to counter potential dips in performance.

• Many secondary schools will send someone, often the prospective Head of YearA student will be in a year group from Years 7 to 11 or 13*.They might also be in a houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*. A houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is a team that students are organised into, usually for reasons of group loyalty or inter group competition. The Head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is responsible for a year group or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.. The Head of year usually progresses up the school with their year group, eventually becoming their Head of year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.. Less commonly, Heads of year remain stationary while the students move on, for example, a static Head of year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.. Heads of 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications. are normally specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. posts.The Head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is usually responsible for results, behaviour and the moral and social welfare of students. After the tutorAlso known as ‘form tutor’. A tutor is a teacher who registers a class of students and oversees their moral and social welfare. They should have a close overview of each tutee’s progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured., although it is quite likely that the tutor will not teach the students in their tutor group. Tutors are often the first point of contact for parents. A tutor is line managed by a head of year* or head of houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*.*, the head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is the first person a parent would contact about their child. 7, to primary schools, to visit Year 6 students who have been allocated a place at their school.This can have a positive effect, as it gives the students a chance to ask questions in an environment that feels secure.
• Most secondary schools interview the Year 6 students who have been allocated a place, to gather details, and get to know the child. Often parents are invited or requested to be present at the interview. This can help the student feel secure and valued, and shows that the school is taking children’s individual needs into consideration.
• Schools which liaise regularly with local primaries, for example,working on joint lesson provision, sharing facilities and holding joint functions, have a better track record in avoiding the Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. ‘dip’, because they are more familiar with the primary school context from which their students come.
• Schools which give Year 6 students work to do over the summer holidays to prepare them for Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. mean business. It is an even better sign if the school then acknowledges the work properly at the start of the new academic year, and incorporates it into the students’ new studies.
• Schools which take samples of Year 6 students’ work and use them to assess the students’ starting point in Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. are serious about countering the Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. ‘dip’.
• Secondary schools often have an induction taster day for the students allocated a place in Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.. This can help reduce the new students’ anxiety about the unknown.
• If a school organises an induction taster day, it should set a precedent by running smoothly. The day should be set up in such a way that Year 6 students end it motivated, reassured, and secure. It is a good sign if the Year 6 students have been introduced to the Head teacher, and other key members of staff on the induction day.
• Secondary schools should have a very organised programme for the new students’ arrival on their first day, and parents should be told about it well in advance. Common practice is for the Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. students to arrive in school before the other year groups, so that they get used to the building without being overwhelmed by older students. So, for example, Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. might begin the first day of term in the morning, and the rest of the school join them in the afternoon.
• Secondary schools should be clear about the equipment they want the students to bring, so that every family has the chance to get their child prepared. A list should be published well in advance of the student beginning in Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old..
• The school will have someone who is in charge of the Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. group, either a Head of YearA student will be in a year group from Years 7 to 11 or 13*.They might also be in a houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*. A houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is a team that students are organised into, usually for reasons of group loyalty or inter group competition. The Head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is responsible for a year group or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.. The Head of year usually progresses up the school with their year group, eventually becoming their Head of year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.. Less commonly, Heads of year remain stationary while the students move on, for example, a static Head of year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.. Heads of 6th formThe 6th form is for key stage 5* students age 16 to 18 studying ‘A’ LevelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.* or vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus.* qualifications, such as a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally..* or NVQs, - National VocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. Qualifications. are normally specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. posts.The Head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is usually responsible for results, behaviour and the moral and social welfare of students. After the tutorAlso known as ‘form tutor’. A tutor is a teacher who registers a class of students and oversees their moral and social welfare. They should have a close overview of each tutee’s progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured., although it is quite likely that the tutor will not teach the students in their tutor group. Tutors are often the first point of contact for parents. A tutor is line managed by a head of year* or head of houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*.*, the head of year or houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups. is the first person a parent would contact about their child. or HouseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.. These members of staff should be introduced to the Year 6 students in advance of their arrival at the school, either through a primary school visit, or an induction taster day or both.
• Often parents feel more anxious about transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. than their children, and this parental anxiety feeds into the Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. ‘dip’.Consequently, the right school for your child should respond to the anxieties of parents. Ideally, every parent should have met a member of staff before their child begins at the school. Information about all aspects of transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. should be clear and sent in good time, to minimise potential parental anxiety. A school might invite parents in for refreshments on the taster day to make it easier for them to leave their child. Sometimes schools make sure there is PTAAlso known as parent association (PA). A PTA, parent teacher association, is an organisation of parents, with some school staff input, who arrange events for the school, such as fetes or quiz nights, usually to raise funds and generate a social link between and amongst school staff and parents. contact with  new parents prior to their child’s arrival, so established parents can provide reassurance.
• If a school wants to ensure good relations between the new intake and the rest of their cohort, they should involve other year groups in welcoming the new Year 7s. For example, at the induction day, it is good practice for prefects or older students to be responsible for the Year 6 students and help them out if they have any problems.
• If a school wants to maintain high standards, it will make these expectations clear from the outset. Students should come away from an induction day feeling they are valued, and that they will be challenged and supported to do their best.
• Some schools begin Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. with a programme of lessons similar to those found in primary schools. Others bring in the students’ primary teachers to help in class. Others have early lessons in a single area giving students time to get used to the building’s size.
• It is a good sign if a school has members of staff who have built up good relationships and contacts with local feeder schools.
• If schools set or stream in subjects in Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old., then they should use data from primary schools, combined with information gleaned themselves during the first half term or term. This means they are much more likely to group students correctly and start them off with work of appropriate challenge.
• A school that wants to combat the Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. ‘dip’ will make sure that teachers have the Key Stage 2 SATsSATs, Standard Assessment Tasks, are national exams students take at the end of key stage 1*. In 2010, some students completed them at the end of key stage *, but they were boycotted by other schools. results of their Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. students as soon as they are available. Teachers should then be planning their lessons around this data. Note:  at the time of writing, some primary schools have boycotted Key Stage 2Key stage 2 is the learning stage from Year 4* age 8/9 to Year 6* age 10/11, at primary school. At the end of key stage 2, students take national SATsSATs, Standard Assessment Tasks, are national exams students take at the end of key stage 1*. In 2010, some students completed them at the end of key stage *, but they were boycotted by other schools.* exams in English, Maths and Science, although in 2010, some schools boycotted the SATsSATs, Standard Assessment Tasks, are national exams students take at the end of key stage 1*. In 2010, some students completed them at the end of key stage *, but they were boycotted by other schools. exams. SATsSATs, Standard Assessment Tasks, are national exams students take at the end of key stage 1*. In 2010, some students completed them at the end of key stage *, but they were boycotted by other schools..

Further Information

Extra–curricular

Go to a school event organised by the PTAAlso known as parent association (PA). A PTA, parent teacher association, is an organisation of parents, with some school staff input, who arrange events for the school, such as fetes or quiz nights, usually to raise funds and generate a social link between and amongst school staff and parents.. To find out when this might be, ring the school.When you are there, ask PTAAlso known as parent association (PA). A PTA, parent teacher association, is an organisation of parents, with some school staff input, who arrange events for the school, such as fetes or quiz nights, usually to raise funds and generate a social link between and amongst school staff and parents. members how they felt about transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. arrangements for their child.

Open Evening/Visit

Ask to speak to someone who is responsible for transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. or Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.. Ask them to give you details about their induction and transitionTransition is the movement between Years 6 and 7*, the most common point at which students move from primary/junior school to secondary school. processes. Try and speak to a Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. pupil about what their transfer experience was like.

School Publications

Ask the school to send you copies of correspondence sent to parents of prospective Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. students last year.

Case Study

Summary