Here at Ormiston Park Academy we understand that the transition from Primary to Secondary education can be an exciting and challenging process for both parents and students. Our students wellbeing is important to us and we prioritise making sure our new students feel safe, secure, prepared and happy about starting with us. We have a team of dedicated and experienced staff that work with our feeder Primary schools and prospective students and their parents/carers to ensure the transition process is as seamless as possible.
OPA staff visit future students in their primary schools early on. During these visits staff will meet with key year 6 staff to make sure we have all the relevant information on each student so the transition process is made as easy as possible for them. We encourage parents and carers to become involved with the transition process through various meetings and information evenings in order to alleviate any concerns prior to starting in September. Each of our new students and parents/carers are given an OPA handbook which contains all the information about starting with us. There are opportunities to meet with staff and tour the academy prior to transition week. We also hold a year 7 progress evening before the end of the first half term.
Early in July, those students offered a place at Ormiston Park are invited to spend three days with us experiencing academy life and participating in a variety of lessons. Prior to the transition week students are given a pre transition project pack to complete and bring with them on the first day. We also run an extended transition programme for our SEND students and those who maybe worried about starting secondary school.