YEAR 6 WELCOME PACK WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome to

YEAR 6 WELCOME PACK

WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome to Orsett Heath Academy! This pack will cover a range of things for you to learn about before joining us in September! We’d first of all like to welcome you to our school and thank you for choosing Orsett Heath as the place too spend the next five years of your school career. We are looking forward to meeting you in September, but in the meantime we would like to take the time to support your transition from primary to secondary and to provide the answers for any questions you may have. We know it’s a daunting time, but we hope to be here to raise your spirits a little during these difficult times, and get you excited for September!

WHO DO I NEED TO KNOW? The two most familiar faces you will see are Miss Rawson and Miss Mc. Grane. Miss Rawson will be your Head of School and Miss Mc. Grane the Assistant Headteacher. We also have a full set of staff for September now including: • Mr Barrow in Science • Miss Harper in Maths • Mrs Chapman in Humanities • Mr Markham in PE • Mr Dobson in PE • Miss Turner in Expressive Arts • Mrs Amey in Languages

WILL WE HAVE AN INDUCTION WEEK? Even though schools are currently shut due to Covid-19, we wanted to let you know that we are still busy getting ready for your transition. Our current situation means that things will be a little different this year, but please do not stress. We are here with you every step of the way and will update you shortly regarding all arrangements!

HOW WILL OHA BE DIFFERENT TO PRIMARY SCHOOL? The biggest changes at secondary school will be that you will have a different classroom and teacher for every subject! You will be given a timetable which tells you where to go for each lesson. It seems a little weird at first, but it’s easy to get used to! You will also be introduced to new and exciting subjects that you may not have covered in primary! It’s a great opportunity to learn new things! Another difference at secondary school is that you are a lot more independent in your work and around school. But don’t worry – You will still be given help and guidance when you need it!

WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL DAY LOOK LIKE? A school day consists of 5 lessons and 2 breaks. You will also have two tutor time sessions a day! Every lesson is an hour long and both breaks last 25 minutes Here’s the order for a regular school day!

WHAT DOES MY TUTOR DO? Your tutor is the teacher who will register you at the start and end of everyday. They will be a source of help if you ever have any problems You will have the same tutor for your whole time at Orsett Heath! Tutor Time is also a time where you do activities such as Tutor Challenges! This can get very competitive…! Win points for your house before the end of June by entering our 1 st tutor challenge at the end of this Power. Point!

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL I LEARN? In Year 7 you will have a range of subjects on your timetable including: English, Maths, Science, Geography, History, RE, Languages, PE, Art, Drama, IT and CC Find out a bit more about these subjects on the next slide! You will be put in a working group when you come to the school, and the people in this group will be in your class for most lessons The school will also offer a huge range of extra-curricular activities for you to get involved in! Keep looking out for these as we would definitely recommend joining one of the clubs as it is a place to socialise and leads to many opportunities!

CC Drama Art CC is a subject taught in mixed In Drama you will develop your Art provides an opportunity to ability groups, all about the world knowledge of performance as well develop your expression, creativity around you. CC gives everyone the as introducing key texts (they may and confidence whilst learning chance to be creative, and learn come in handy for English too!). about the cultural aspects of life you about morals, politics and culture. A Drama allows you to think creatively see around you every day! Feel free wide range of learning techniques and work collaboratively. You will to experiment, take creative risks are used in CC lessons, including also learn communication and be reflective during your art external companies coming into confidence skills. Even if you’re not lessons, thinking creatively and school to give performances and one for theatrics, there’s critically speeches something in drama for everyone! English The English department strives to challenge you to think deeper and analyse pieces further, introducing you to a wide range of texts. English also develops literacy, reading and writing skills, creating students capable of using these skills across all subjects and future walks of life History Geography History not only teaches you about In Geography you will learn all events from the past, but also about the earth beneath your feet how this affects our future. You will and to embrace your place as a develop an understanding of how global citizen. In Year 7, you will our society has evolved and why look at different aspects of everyday the world is the way it is. You will life and develop knowledge of case learn to study evidence, write studies from all over the world. clearly and assess critically, giving Geography includes everything you a whole host of skills to use in from tourism to climate change! the future

Languages Maths IT Learning a new language is a great Maths is more than just numbers! IT is designed to provide you with a skill to use in later life. In Year 7 you You will learn problem solving skills, knowledge of computer skills will start learning French! You will confidence when tackling new necessary in today’s society, but also learn the basics of the language and problems and develop independence. develop a passion for subjects such how to communicate effectively. Maths is a core subject that it not as animation, marketing and video Learning a new language gives you only used in other subjects but in editing confidence and furthered every day life! communication skills. Science PE Science lessons help you to learn RE While you may not be the sportiest, about the world around you and In RE students are given a wider PE helps develop teamwork and develop your practical science skills. understanding of the beliefs, diversity communication skills. You have the Everything we do involves science, and moral values of others. RE chance to experience many sports, even if we do it unconsciously! approaches current issues that you gain an understanding of those During your science lessons you will may hear about in the media and sports and acquire the knowledge spend time thinking about the world want to gain a further understanding and motivation to lead a healthy around you and how it works. of. You will have the chance to lifestyle. PE is also a chance to relax Science is exciting and inspiring, communicate with others and give and let loose after long days of allowing students to work in groups, your opinion in a respectful way learning write and think logically and carry out scientific investigations

WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL RULES? • Equipment – Each student must have the required equipment for each lesson • Uniform – The school uniform must be adhered to and worn at all times. False eyelashes and nails are not allowed and jewellery should not be worn. All students should also have appropriate footwear – No trainers! • Phones – Mobile phones should not be used during the school day. They should be turned off and in your pocket or bag. Headphones must also not be seen in school • Attendance – Attendance is expected to be as close to 100% as you can. You should also not be late to school or lessons • Hands-Off – Our school has a hands-off policy, and any form of fighting or physical violence will not be tolerated • Positive and Negative SIMS – Teachers give out positive and negative SIMS for good or bad behaviour and effort. Positive SIMS lead to achievements, where as negative SIMS can lead to detentions and other sanctions • Respect – Students should show respect and manners to their peers, adults, and the school property at all times

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? There are lots of ways to get involved at Orsett Heath but one important role is to be a part of the Student Leadership teams! These groups are there to ensure you are comfortable and happy at school, and give you a voice in the school development Take a look at the opportunities available! Student Council School Ambassadors Sport Ambassadors Pupils as Listeners (PALS) Green Team Wellbeing Team Details about each position available can be found on the school website. Take a look and see how and when you can apply!

WHAT TOP TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR TRANSITION? • Don’t panic. Be prepared and look at your timetable to make sure you know where to go and when • Ask for help if you need it, the teachers will always be willing to help • Be organised and make sure you have everything you need • Follow the school rules, they are there to keep you safe and learning • Try something new like joining a club! • Work out your route to school and plan ahead so you won’t be late • Remember it will be strange on the first day because it’s all new, but don’t be scared by this • Most importantly, relax and try to have fun!

WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM WORRIED, SCARED OR NERVOUS? I am worried that I won’t make friends! I am worried that I won’t know where anything is! I think the work will be too hard! • Going into Year 7 everyone has this worry. Be brave and be yourself and you will be sure to make friends amongst the 120 new students. You are all in the same boat • Don’t worry, we will have signs everywhere to help you out. Teachers are also around to help you find your class. Don’t be scared to ask • You will be put in a group with the right work for you. However, if you are finding it too hard or too easy you should tell your teacher

WHAT HOMEWORK WILL I GET? You will receive homework per subject area each half-term At the beginning of the half-term, we’ll send out a plan of this for you so you can plan and prepare your time so it is not rushed! All your homework will be marked and you will be given an effort grade in your termly reports based on this. If you are stuck or struggling, you can ask your class teacher for help in lesson time or you could attend Homework Club where you can work on getting this homework completed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IF WE DON’T GET TO HAVE AN INDUCTION WEEK, HOW WILL WE GET TO KNOW THE SCHOOL? Firstly, we are in a unique situation. The world has never been on lockdown before and all the year six children in the country will be in the same position as you where they have not had much opportunity to visit their new school. Because we know this, we realise it may take you a little longer to get used to your school and we will understand this. If you have any worries, it is important to ask straight away. You probably won’t be the only one not sure or concerned about something. You have been away from the learning environment for some time and then you’re coming into a new one, it will take time to get into a routine again. That’s understandable. WILL I GET LOST? There are lots of signs and people to help you and you will have a map. Usually, after a week or two (or once through the timetable) people know where they are going. CAN I GET HELP IF I NEED IT? Yes – ask your Tutor, any subject Teacher, your Head of School, or a Teaching Assistant. Any adult in the school will help you. Sometimes this means helping you to help yourself as you start to grow up. It is important in the early days of starting to speak up though. We really want you to settle in well. WHAT TIMES DOES SCHOOL START? You will get this information in the Parent Handbook and on your timetable. You need to be in your Period 1 classroom, ready to register, in correct uniform and with the right equipment ready to start for 8: 35 am. So get to school for 8: 30 am at the latest. (If you come in earlier you can buy some breakfast if you’ve missed it. . )

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW IS BULLYING DEALT WITH? The important thing is to report it to your tutor or the nearest teacher on duty. We will deal with it and have an Anti. Bullying Policy in place. It is hard to say exactly how we deal with each case, because no two cases are the same. But our main aim is always to make it stop and we will take whatever actions are needed to make this happen CAN I BE IN THE SAME CLASS AS MY FRIENDS? You may not necessarily be with your friends in all your classes or tutor group. However, do remember you can see them at break and lunch time still. We hope that you will make friends with lots of new people too HOW DO WE MAKE NEW FRIENDS? There are lots of ways you can make new friends at Orsett Heath. In Year 7 everyone is put into classes for personal and social education lessons (PSHE). There also a couple of exciting day trips that we have planned! You could also get involved in clubs and other activities, which are other ways of making new friends HOW DO STUDENTS GET DETENTIONS AND WHY? Students who are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing do not get detentions. If you do not behave well, do not work hard enough, do not hand in homework, disrupt lessons, are not in full and correct uniform, or are disrespectful to adults, then you can expect to find yourself in detention

CHALLENGE AND COMPETITION We want YOU as students to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the school! Our first challenge to you is to develop our VALUES and ETHOS into an eye catching design. You can present this in any way you like – It may be a poster, it could be a photo or video, it might be baked, you may even want to create something digitally – Be as creative as you like! But try to capture the following: • What do you want our school to be like? • What do you want it to look like? • What do you want it to feel like? Here’s some inspiration for you…

CHALLENGE AND COMPETITION So what are our values and ethos? The SWECET vision is to educate, empower and inspire generations of children through a network of outstanding schools that are recognised at a local, regional and national level as being the absolute benchmark in excellent teaching and learning. Our schools will be recognised as the most forward thinking and innovative organisations within the communities that they serve, and all children will leave our care as well rounded individuals who have achieved high levels of academic success and are well prepared for life in modern Britain. Orsett Heath Academy will be characterised by its passionate and unrelenting drive to ensure that every one of its students makes extraordinary progress, achieves exceptional standards and realises his or her huge potential. This will take place within an academy where best practice is commonplace, which prides itself at being at the cutting edge of innovation and next practice. It will have a strong culture of performance through sport and the arts that is enhanced by its unique proposed location.

How can I design this?

CHALLENGE AND COMPETITION Entries should be sent to transition@oha. swecet. org by the 12 th June All entries will be 1 point towards your tutor group! At Orsett Heath we will run tutor challenge competitions every fortnight, ranging from arty and cooking challenges to skill or sport challenges. All tutor challenge points are collated and at the end of the year, following Sports Day, we announce the winning Tutor Team! So remember, every point counts! All entries will be combined to form our final set of Orsett Heath values and ethos too!

STAY SAFE AND SPEAK SOON! We hope this first transition session has been useful and you are as excited as us to start in September! Remember we are here to support you every step of the way in your transition and we’ll be back soon with more details and information. However, in the meantime, if you have any other questions you want answered please just send us an email at transition@oha. swecet. org We will be more than happy to help!