Prep 5 to Form 1transition meeting

Tuesday 26th May, 2015

Introductions

Mr. Christopher NewtonForm 1 Head of Year

cn@pauls.br

The purpose of today’s meeting:to outline our transition process and give you some essential information about the

Senior School.

Parent handbookParents will be given access to a portal which will have:• updated information about school

procedures and routines• a list of useful emails sent to parents• calendar information• contact & medical information• absence data• school reports• rewards and sanctions• staff lists and contact informationThe portal will replace today’s handbook.

Transition week

Transition week

• Taster lessons will be held on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th May.

• Your children will be meeting some of the Form 1 teachers as well as their Head of Year (Mr Newton)

• They will experience some of the lessons they will have in Form 1 – science, English, mathematics, geography or history and an introduction to Brazilian Studies.

• The morning session will allow your children to get used to the feel of the Senior School!

Tutor groups

Tutor groups

• We will have six tutor groups, which will have around 14 pupils in each group.

• Tutees will see their tutor every morning for registration, where they will take part in planned activities to get them going in the morning.

• They will also have an allocated tutorial session once a week which will be centred around our PSHE programme (on Wednesday period 7).

Organisation and presentation

Organisation & presentation

• In the Senior School we aim to develop independence and encourage our pupils to learn how to organise themselves.

• You can help us to do this by encouraging your children to check their timetable for the day ahead and making sure they have their equipment.

• We strongly encourage the use of the diary as a means of organisation.

What to expect

• Do not be concerned if each set for a subject is doing a different topic. They will all complete the same curriculum.

• This also means that homework assignments could vary from one set to the next. Again, do not worry.

• Pupils in Form 1 will have a homework timetable to provide structure and balance.

• Pupils should read in both languages for 15-20 minutes each evening.

What to expect

The most important thing you can do as parents?

Please support us by encouraging your children.

• Your child may find it overwhelming in the first few weeks... Keep encouraging them.

• They may struggle with homework... Keep encouraging them.

• They may fall out with friends... Keep encouraging them.

• They might find the work, assessments and expectations challanging... Keep encouraging them.

The first few days in Senior School

The first few days in the Senior School

• Help your child feel relaxed by ensuring that they arrive at school with enough time to find their tutor room and get organised.

• Make sure that your child gets enough sleep.

• Your child will receive their diaries and timetables.

• Your child will receive a locker and a combination padlock.

• Your child will continue to use their school email account.

• Your child will receive a list of ECAs and should discuss their choices with you.

Communication and parent-teachingmeetings • There will be two parent-teacher meetings in Form 1

• If other meetings are required, please make appointments to see tutors and teachers.

• If you need to communicate with the School the first point of contact is with your child’s tutor.

• The head of year can also be contacted but only unless the matter is of a serious nature (cn@stpauls.br)

• Pupils will receive three reports and an end of year report

• Our aim is to make your child more responsible and independent in their learning, so encourage them to make the first move to solve problems.

How can I keep track of my child’s progress?

How can I keep track of my child’s progress?• Ask them! They should have a good idea of how

they are doing.

• Check their diaries.

• Read their reports and help set targets with them.

• Attend the parents’ evenings.

• Regularly check the school bulletin (Paulean) and Firefly.

• If you have concerns, ask the tutor.

Key dates

Key dates

• Wednesday 5th August Classes begin

• Monday 10th August, 5pm F1 Parents’ Welcome Evening

• October/November (specific date to be confirmed)F1 Parents’ Evening