Starting secondary school is a big step, and we know that you may be feeling a mixture of excitement, curiosity and perhaps even a few nerves. That is completely normal.
At Brownedge St Mary's, we want every pupil to feel happy, confident and ready for the journey ahead. We are looking forward to welcoming you into our school family and helping you make a successful start to the next stage of your education.
Over the coming months, there will be lots of opportunities for you to get to know us before September. You will visit the school, meet new friends, spend time with staff and experience some of the subjects and activities that make life at Brownedge so special. Our transition programme is designed to help you feel comfortable, confident and excited about becoming part of our community.
We work closely with your primary school teachers to make sure we get to know you as an individual. We want to understand your strengths, celebrate your achievements and provide any support you may need so that you can thrive from your very first day.
At Brownedge, you will discover new subjects, develop new skills, make new friendships and take part in a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Most importantly, you will be part of a caring community where you are known, valued and encouraged to let your light shine.
We know that moving to secondary school can feel like a big change, but you will not be making the journey alone. Our staff, pupils and wider school community will be here to support you every step of the way.
We cannot wait to meet you and welcome you to Brownedge St Mary's.
Your exciting journey starts here.
To help we have created a booklet to get you started with lots of useful information you will need.
Please use this checklist to help make sure you are ready to start your high school journey with Brownedge St Mary's.
Reading is one of the most important skills you will ever develop. It helps you learn new things, grow your imagination, build confidence and succeed in every subject.
As you prepare for your journey to Brownedge St Mary's, we've put together a range of fun activities, quizzes, challenges, book recommendations and games to help you become an even stronger reader, writer and communicator.
Whether you love getting lost in a great story, enjoy learning fascinating facts or simply want to improve your confidence with words, there's something here for everyone.
Take a look, get involved and discover where reading can take you!
Always remember...
1) Moving to secondary school is a big step and can seem a bit scary. You could be worried about leaving the school you know really well.
You might find that there are more buildings and that everything seems bigger than primary school but you'll find your way round in no time. Whether you're going to walk there or get the bus or train, getting to your new school can seem tricky at first but within a few weeks it will be second nature!
2) It can be difficult to find your way around a new timetable and in the first few weeks, at a new school, you might be worried about getting lost too.
The timetable will tell you where you are supposed to be and at what time. If you do get lost on the way to class, go into the nearest classroom and ask for help.
3) In primary school you will be used to having one teacher. In secondary school you will get to know many teachers for different subjects.
New subjects can be challenging but you can try new things and learn lots more about things like Art, Science and Food and Nutrition. .
4) A lot of people feel nervous when they first go to secondary school and wonder if they will fit in and meet new friends. It can be hard if you are the only pupil from your primary school, but it can be an adventure getting to know everyone!
It can be disappointing if you don't get to go to your first choice school, but don't worry, you’ll soon settle in. A great way to make new friends, with the same interests, is to join a club. There are lots of clubs at secondary school including things like trampolining, drama and cookery.
5) It can seem strange having been the oldest in primary school to being the youngest in secondary school. Remember that everyone in your year will be feeling the same.
At secondary school there will be opportunities to try things that you haven't before. You'll study new subjects and can join all sorts of after-school clubs. There's gymnastics, cross country, engineering and technology; whatever your interests there'll be an activity for you. With all these new activities and skills you'll soon build confidence.
If you are worried, visit this BBC website which provides more information to help you.