10 September, 2021
Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham-on-Crouch was delighted with the success of their recent “Summer Schools” in supporting students transitioning from Year 6 into secondary school.
The academy held the summer schools over the school holiday period to offer each student the opportunity to visit them.
The students were able to meet with their new teachers, support staff, and the other peers from their class. Throughout the day the students were told about the wide variety of opportunities that will be available to them at the academy. It was a great chance for them to learn all about Ormiston Rivers Academy prior to commencing their secondary school journey.
The summer schools were run across two weeks, one at the beginning of August and one towards the end, in order to provide as many students as possible the opportunity to attend.
Several staff gave up their time to facilitate the summer schools, leading and supporting activities and taster sessions ranging from English, maths, science, history, geography, P.E and computer science. The staff also provided a range of experiences from planetariums, baking their own cookies and pizzas, arts and crafts activities, and animal experiences.
In addition, they were provided with daily snacks and nutritious lunches, as well as enjoying a “Bouncy Castle Assault Course” and a final treat of an ice cream van on the Friday of each week.
Parental feedback was unanimously positive, as many were grateful that their child was given an opportunity to settle into their new environment and get excited about the year ahead.
One parent said that her daughter had “the best week ever” and it made her excited to start, while another parent commented that her daughter “had a blast” and was no longer nervous about the transition.
Principal Jo Williams said: “It is great to see how the summer school has provided invaluable support for our new Year 7 students to feel comfortable and confident in their new environment.
“It has been wonderful to hear so many of them speak about the fabulous things they were able to experience and enjoy during the summer school, and to see first-hand how this has enabled them to forge new friendships, familiarise themselves with their teachers and support staff, and to feel genuinely excited about the next phase of their educational journey.
“I would like to thank all staff who supported students during these weeks for their continual commitment and dedication to our academy community.”
Category: News
Tags: Jo Williams, Ormiston Rivers Academy, Rivers, Summer school, Year 6 transition
