Transition

The transition from primary to secondary school can be an exhilarating time for many children. The opportunity to experience new subjects, new activities and make new friends at a bigger school is often met with great excitement. At Sackville School, we understand that whilst most students feel this way, some may experience nervousness at the thought of starting at a new, larger school. Sackville strives to ensure all students feel supported in their transition process and that it goes as smoothly as possible.

Sackville has a team of experienced staff who are here to help you and your child. We have a designated Transition Coordinator (one of our experienced Community Leaders) whose job it is to ensure that, at every step of the way, your child is made to feel welcome and secure.

We will begin to get to know your child as soon as his/her place is confirmed. An information pack will be sent out to you during May, which will also include an Admissions Meeting date, where parents and students will have an opportunity to meet a member of staff. We will also have our uniform supplier during your visit so you can see and purchase uniform, this can also be ordered online.

Our team of staff visits the Primary schools during May/June; this is a great opportunity to meet the children in their own environment and a chance to field lots of questions they may have about starting Sackville. Alongside the Transition Coordinator and the Year Leader, our Learning Mentor will also be available to discuss with the teachers any individuals who may be seen as needing extra support during transition.

We also have a three-day induction period in July for students to experience lessons, meet the teachers, sample the canteen and, of course, get to know their way around Sackville. This three-day process has proved extremely beneficial for the students in settling them in and also allows the teachers to get to know the students. During this period, your child will meet their form tutor and form group. We would expect students remain in the same form throughout their time at Sackville School.

Tutors play a key role in our relationship with you and your child, so we hold a ‘New Parent evening’, so you can also get to know your child’s tutor. As we understand that queries or concerns may surface at any time, you will be provided with the tutor’s direct email address.

We have had fantastic feedback from parents and students and believe this gives them a solid grounding in ensuring they are as comfortable and confident as possible as they embark on this new phase of their education. We are extremely proud of how well our new year 7s settle into Sackville School’s community. A confident and happy student is more likely to achieve their full potential, which is our aim as much as yours.

If you have any questions about our transition processes you can contact Mrs Gill Sands (Community Leader for Turing and Transition Coordinator) via gsands@sackvilleschool.org.uk.

Other useful contacts:

Paul Street (Deputy Headteacher) - pstreet@sackvilleschool.org.uk

Stephanie Hunt (SENCO) – shunt@sackvilleschool.org.uk

Amy Steer (Safeguarding and Welfare Officer) – asteer@sackvilleschool.org.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact the school?

Your main point of contact with the school should be through your child’s form tutor.

Any queries or concerns should be sent to them initially. If you feel you would like to speak to someone other than your child’s form tutor you can contact either the Year Leader or the Year Assistant. All contact details can be found on the school website.

If your child is too ill to attend school you should phone the main school on the morning of your child’s absence before 9am. Please report their name, form and brief reason for absence. Sackville School main number is 01342 410140.

What happens if my child feels unwell during the day?

If your child feels unwell during the day they should go and see Mrs Hill in the medical room at break or lunch, or if in a lesson, ask their teacher if they can go there. Mrs Hill will discuss how your child is feeling and ascertain if it is necessary to contact you. Sometimes a child just needs a quiet sit down after which they may be able to return to lessons. On certain occasions Medical may be closed, if this is the case students should go to the Community office. If students are able to go to reception where a first aid trained member of staff can attend and assist them, if no one is in their Community office.

What do the students do for lunch?

We have a canteen area in which students can either eat their packed lunch or a school dinner purchased from the canteen. This year Sackville has introduced a new “biometric automated recognition system”, which we use in the school canteen. This operates by way of each student having their fingerprint scanned, which creates a numeric algorithm which retains information on the system which will permit your child to access services. Cash can be added to this system and can be topped up online, or in the finance department, or using the cash machines to add money into which are located outside the finance offices.

This is a much quicker payment method, speeding up any queues. It also reduces the need for students to carry money on a regular basis. Letters will be sent out to all parents for consent prior to fingerprint scanning.

What should I do if my child loses something?

Losing things at school is unfortunately, part of school life. Chances of reuniting students with their belongings increase dramatically if they are clearly labelled. In such a large school it can be hard to differentiate individual’s property; a clear name tag makes returning items much easier. If your child has lost something they should check to see if it has been handed in to lost property by seeing Mrs Hill in the medical room. They should also retrace their steps and return to the classrooms/ changing rooms they have been to that day to see if they have left it there. They should do this on the day that they discover the loss. If this proves unsuccessful, it is sometimes worth checking with lost property again, after a few days have elapsed.

How can I check what homework my child is set?

Sackville uses a system called My Child At School. This is an online system which can be accessed by students, parents and teachers. Each student, and parent, will receive their own username and password. You will be able to log in and check what homework your child has been set, and a time estimation for how long your child should spend on each homework task, and when it is due in. My Child At School is also available as an app for smart phones.

What if my child is unhappy?

If for any reason your child is unhappy please encourage them to talk to their Form Tutor in the first instance, Community office or another member of staff. The staff at Sackville are extremely welcoming and would be happy to discuss and support as much possible with any issues or concerns.

What stationery does my child need?

We recommend that each student has a pencil case containing

A black pen

A green pen

A pencil

A pencil sharpener

An eraser

A ruler

A pair of compasses

An angle measurer

We have a stationery shop in school in the AVA department next to the school nurse near reception. Here you can buy a pencil case with the necessary equipment in. There are two sizes available. The smaller one has a 15cm (6 inch) ruler and the larger on a 30cm (12 inch) ruler.

The following items can also be purchased from the AVA shop during school, should you have forgotten any items:

Pencil, 5p

Pen black /green, 10p

Highlighter, 30p

Sharpener, 10p

Eraser, 10p

Glue stick, 30p

Large ruler, 20p

Small ruler, 15p

Protractor, 40p

Compass, 25p

Colour pencils x 12 pack, £1.00

Small pencil case clear, 60p

Maths exam-ready pencil case, £2.00