Transition

At Bishop Challoner we plan to provide effective transition at all stages in the education journey. Each transition stage provides new challenges and opportunities for our pupils and this can be an anxious time for parents and children alike, so we work together to ensure that their child’s transition is secure and stress-free as possible.

Early Learning

EYFS provides the foundations for the future success of our pupils. The children are at a stage where they are excited about their new environment and establishing new relationships with other children and their teachers. The Nursery staff exchange information with parents and develop a good relationship with the children and their families to gain an understanding of each child’s personality and interests.

Reception

Reception is an extension of EYFS, although presenting new challenges. The staff at Bishop Challoner School engage in well informed discussions regarding the child’s Nursery experience so they can quickly relate to each child and responds to their needs and strengths. The pupils start their first day with excitement and confidence having already met their Reception class teacher during their time in the Nursery enabling them a smooth transition.

For students joining from neighbouring nurseries, parents are invited in to our ‘new’ parents information evening together with our current parents during June. This is an ideal opportunity for parents to meet other parents whose children are joining the Junior School from Reception to Year 6 and meet their child’s classroom teacher.

Junior School

Each September we hold a Junior Information Evening inviting all our Junior parents to come and meet our teaching staff. The evening begins with a talk from the Director of Junior School who introduces each class teacher to the parents. Parents are then invited to visit their child’s classroom to see the environment and learn about the Curriculum. It is an excellent opportunity to look your child’s classwork and speak to their teacher.

Years 5 and 6

As our students journey through the Junior School, they will meet a number of our Senior specialist teachers. This accustoms our students to a wider range of subjects on offer at Bishop Challoner School and gives them a taste of what curriculum areas are available in the Senior school. We also hold a transition day in July where Year 5 are invited to be part of the Senior school and sample some Year 7 lessons. All Junior students (current and new) are also given the opportunity to spend a day in their ‘new’ class with the teacher they will be having when they return in the Autumn Term.

Year 7

Year 7 is both an entry point to Bishop Challoner and a natural continuation for our students in Year 6. We know how important it is to ensure that there is a smooth transition between Junior and Senior school and our Junior teachers work very closely with the Senior team in ensuring that our students are well prepared through school council, assembly, visits from Senior staff and students and cross curricular activities.

New students and parents are invited in for an evening in July where they will hear about the transition process from the Head of Key Stage. They will also hear from our present Year 7 pupils about their experience of Year 7 such as their first day in Senior school, the trips they have enjoyed, the sporting events they have taken part in, performances or fund raising for various charities.

The pupils will then enjoy a game of rounders together whilst the parents get to know our Year 7 tutors, teaching staff and our PTA representatives. It is also an excellent opportunity to get to know each other.

On the first day of the Autumn Term, our Year 7 students are invited in for their formal introduction to Bishop Challoner School. It’s an informative day and students spend time with their form Tutor, and getting to know each other.

Year 9 – making choices for Year 10 and 11

In Year 10 and 11 you will be studying a range of subjects at GCSE level. You will be studying several Core subjects and additionally some option choices. Choosing appropriate subjects will enhance your learning whilst at school and studying for the right qualifications will give you a better chance of getting the career of your choice.

Parents and pupils will be giving an Options Booklet and invited in for an Option Evenings where they can find out more about the option subjects.

Year 10 & 11

Over the next two years you will be studying a two-year GCSE course including your chosen subjects as well as the Core subjects.

Towards the end of Year 10 you will have the opportunity to do a week’s Work Experience.

In Year 11 you will be given the chance to apply to become a Prefect and all students have Careers interviews in the Autumn Term.

You will also be invited for an interview with Headteacher, to discuss Mock Examinations, predicted grades and examination entries and to discuss transition into the Sixth Form,

Sixth Form

Our Year 10 and 11 students along with prospective students are invited in for a Sixth Form Open Evening during October to discuss the Sixth Form with our AS/A Level teachers. Following a talk from the Headteacher, Head of Key Stage and a member of Year 12, families are invited to visit the 6^th Form teaching rooms and observe some of the lessons available to our 6^th Form students. Our Careers advisor is also available to speak to our incoming 6^th Form students in regard to their learning pathway.

(A taster day is also available to our current Year 10 and 11 students to introduce them to the expectations of an older student at Bishop Challoner School.) A number of scholarships are offered to potential students to reassure their successful transition to the 6^th Form and our form tutors work closely in building a good supportive relationship with our students. At the beginning of the Autumn Term, our new Year 12 students are invited to take part in a two day Induction programme bringing each new class together in a fun team building experience in preparation for the 6^th Form.

Our 6^th Form are encouraged to work with younger students through assembly, charity and enrichment events in ensuring that they are fully involved in school life. Our life skills programme is also closely linked with the transition between the 6^th Form and further education and we invite outside speakers to join us in our assemblies and PSHE lessons. We also offer a variety of experiences to our students in preparing them for the working world and our students are encouraged to work with our career advisor in ensuring that they are prepared for life beyond the 6^th Form.