Our secondary schools are busy getting to know Year 6 pupils who will be making the move from primary classes in 2022.
September and October are traditionally the months when secondaries open their doors to welcome in prospective students and their families to introduce them to the next stage of their learning.
Covid-19 restrictions have once again made this a tricky task. All our schools have been able to welcome families in person, but not quite in the normal way. So they have also innovated and adopted modern technology to ensure families experience a flavour of what secondary school life is all about.
William Howard School has a Year 6 Transition area of its website where families can get to know about courses, staff and facilities. There are introductory videos from staff and students to offer a taste of life at WHS.
Around 470 people were shown round the Brampton school on a tours evening. Thanks to the Sixth Form students who volunteered to act as guides alongside teaching staff. Alternative visits are still being arranged.
Year 6 pupils and families are also welcome to take a look around Workington Academy and to meet members of its Senior Leadership Team and Team Year 7 staff.
The web section Welcome to Team Year 7 has lots of useful information for children, parents and carers.
The school, which in September welcomed 250 new Year 7 students marking six years of continued growth, is still running Covid-secure tours until October 18. These must be booked in advance, details are on this link.
The Whitehaven Academy is holding an open evening with tours on Tuesday, October 5. Headteacher Mr Youngman and his team will be talking to families about the exciting times ahead at the academy.
Students joining in 2022 will be taught in our brand-new building, next to the current school, which is set to open in the spring. There’s also a new Creative Curriculum for Years 8 and 9 allowing children to experience some great outdoor learning, STEM, art and other opportunities.
Anyone who wants an advance look can see a new Year 7 Admissions booklet on their website.
All our schools feature comprehensive information on their websites to enable families to make an informed choice about this all-important move.
And there’s special emphasis on the kind of insight that eases young nerves, such as uniform requirements, what happens at break time, school maps and homework expectations.
Don’t forget – applications for September 2022 places need to be submitted to Cumbria County Council by 31st October. To secure a place, complete the form here.