Year 6 is a very important time for the children and one of our aims at Jesmond Gardens is to prepare them for the next stage in their school career. The move from Year 6 to Year 7 can be daunting but also very exciting and we work alongside all the local secondary schools to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

The main secondary schools that we feed to are:

•   Dyke House

•   High Tunstall

The process starts at the beginning of Year 6 when both our secondary schools, visit the children to explain the types of changes they can expect and all the opportunities that will be on offer. 

The Year 6 teachers liaise closely with all the schools that our children will be attending to create a profile of assessment data and transition needs for each child. All secondary schools send a representative member of staff to meet the children and discuss with them what their new school will be like. 

During the summer term all Y6 children attend their prospective secondary schools for two Transition Days where they meet their form tutors and take part in lessons.

During Year 6, the children are also involved in different activities led by the secondary schools, which help in the transition process e.g. sports sessions, maths lessons, library tasters and ICT sessions.

How do I apply?

When your child begins Year 6, you will automatically be sent the application forms for secondary school, which normally need to be returned by the autumn half term break. It is very important that the forms are completed and returned as soon as possible. 

Visits

Secondary Schools normally hold official Open Days/Evenings either in the summer or autumn term.  It can be difficult deciding which school to go to but our best advice would be to go to their Open Days or book an appointment with the Head Teacher to visit the school during the day.  Take your child with you – you’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn about each school by going to visit.

Children with Special Educational Needs

If your child has special educational needs we strongly urge parents to consider secondary school transition when your child is in year 5. It is vital that parents view earlier than normal all schools and meet with the Inclusion Manager. Parents will need to judge each school’s ability to cater for their very special child. Staff at Jesmond Gardens, including the Head Teacher, will offer support to parents. Our Inclusion Manager is also on hand to give impartial advice. In certain circumstances she is able to accompany parents when they visit secondary schools for the very first time.