School scheme welcomes new pupils

Published 2 Sep 2010 08:00

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A SECONDARY school has held an introduction course to help pupils joining it this term.

Easthampstead Park Community School in Great Hollands ran its Confidence for Learning summer programme last week for 10 and 11-year-olds getting ready to become Year 7s.

Organiser Lester Martin, manager of the learning support centre at the school, said: “The aim of the project is to give students the opportunity to experience secondary school, to lessen any fears they may have and help give them confidence.”

Youngsters took part in a range of activities and games, including T-shirt dying, blindfolded food tasting, making healthy lunches and doing team building exercises, such as trying to put up a tent without the instructions.

They also had the chance to ask questions, join in small group discussions and meet older peer mentors from the school.

Mr Martin said: “As teachers, we can stand up here and say, 'This happens, that happens’, but hearing from their peers hopefully helps them see that starting secondary school isn’t as scary as they might think.”

All students due to join the school were able to go to introductory days at the end of the summer term but Easthampstead Park offered the additional week-long programme for any youngsters particularly anxious about the move. It was the third time that the school has run the programme in a bid to make the transition easier.

A total of 23 youngsters took part, from feeder primary schools Birch Hill, Great Hollands, The Pines, St Margaret Clitherow, St Michael’s Easthampstead, Wildridings and Wooden Hill.

They were helped by learning mentors Annecha Fullerton and Helen Culpin.

This article appeared in Villager 02 Sep 10

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