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Helping Our New Year 7s Settle In

The latest cohort of students to join Thomas Clarkson Academy are settling in well thanks to the efforts of staff to ensure a smooth transition for our new Year 7s.

The latest cohort of students to join Thomas Clarkson Academy are settling in well thanks to the efforts of staff to ensure a smooth transition for our new Year 7s.

While the move from primary to secondary school can be a nerve-wracking time for students and families, TCA makes every effort to help our newest students feel comfortable and confident in their new school.

Over the last couple of weeks, there has been lots going on to help Year 7s build new friendships, familiarise themselves with the building and take advantage of the opportunities available in the Academy.

On their first day, Year 7s spent two hours in their tutor groups, getting to grips with their student planners and taking part in ice-breakers to get to know each other. There have also been introductory lessons in subjects they are studying for the first time and reading sessions during tutor time every Thursday.

Each week, tutor groups go head-to-head to be crowned best tutor group, with students being awarded green cards for things like good attendance, excellent work in class or at home and exemplary manners in school.

Amy Anderson, Raising Standards Leader for Year 7, said: “The new year group seems to be gelling really well and new friendships have been forged. We’re seeing a real sense of their ethos in assemblies and there has been a huge amount of green cards being issued.

“I think because they have settled in so well, they’re working well and working towards their potential. We’ve got one student who wants to be a palaeontologist and another interested in astronomy – they are a really aspirational year group so it will be great to see how they progress in the coming years.”

There is also a weekly award for ‘most outstanding student’ in recognition of the student who is awarded the most green cards. Details are posted on boards around the Academy of students in first, second and third positions, with plans for an award ceremony at the end of each term.

Year 7 student Maksim Pogodin said: “I thought it was going to be scary and that I’d get lost a lot but I’ve settled in quicker than I thought I would. You get used to finding your way around and using your planner.”

Another Year 7 student, Max Walencik, said: “After a week or so it just feels like normal. I’ve made new friends quickly and I’m enjoying doing more PE.”

The Academy’s Open Evening for Year 5 and 6 pupils and their parents/carers is on Thursday 28th September, from 6-8pm. The Principal's address will be at 6.15pm in the theatre.

For those unable to attend the Open Evening, tours are taking place on Tuesday 3rd October from 10.40am to 11.20am and Wednesday 4th October from 1.50pm to 2.30pm. 

To book a place on a tour or to request a prospectus call 01945 585 237.

To view our prospectus click here.