Our primary transition programme begins in October when Year 6 pupils and parents / carers from our partner primary schools are invited to meet College staff and to see the College in operation to include a tour of the Centre when members of staff and pupils are present to talk to parents and children and answer questions. We feel that this is a most successful way to show our parents and prospective pupils from the community, the ethos and
positive approach which all staff take to the daily curriculum.
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum evenings are now becoming a regular
calendar event; parents and primary colleagues of Years 5 and 6 are invited to join us for taster session of typical Year 7 lessons across the curriculum.
This programme of primary liaison begins in the Summer Term: an Assistant Principal and the Head of Year visit all the primary schools during the final term of the academic year to meet with Year 6 pupils and teaching collegues; we believe it is vital that the new pupils about to join the College have as smooth a transition as possible to include meeting the members of staff who will play such a vital role in their first year as pupils at Paignton Community & Sports College.
We offer our new Year 6 pupils a two day Induction to the College when Year 6 pupils follow a special timetable and so are able to sample real lessons with real teachers in real classrooms. The two day induction process allows us to carry out Reading and Spelling tests -essential data for when the new academic year begins. On the afternoon of the second Induction Day, all Year 6 pupils take part in the 'Olympic Festival'; a range of wide and
varied activities organised by the Sports College Team.
We are fortunate to receive essential Key Stage 2 test data as early as July. This, together with the information provided by the primary schools ensures that all staff in the College are fully
prepared for the academic and pastoral needs of all our pupils thus ensuring that the curriculum teaching is appropriate for all our pupils. We are able to ensure that all our pupils are placed in the most appropriate teaching group and that the Accelerated Learning groups and the Low Achieving Project group in Year 7 are effective and successful. This process is extensively
supported and enhanced by Mrs Webb, Head of Learning Support and her team of Learning Support Assistants who work so very hard to ensure that all pupils are prepared and
comfortable joining Paignton Community & Sports College. This programme of transition includes visits to the primary schools, feeding information back into the College and spending a good amount of time with individual pupils visiting and spending time in the College. In each band in Year 7 we have one tutor group selected on academic ability and potential. These groups are selected using data provided by the primary schools and the Key Stage 2 test results. During the early weeks of the Autumn Term our new Year 7 pupils all take the CATs tests the results of which enable us to monitor the progress of all our pupils to ensure that they are taught at the correct level and are provided with all the support needed to reach their full potential.
All Year 7 pupils are invited to join members of their tutor group at Broadleas Residential Camp at Haytor, for a 2 ½ day residential experience. Staffed by experienced and qualified teachers the pupils join in activities such as mountain biking, orienteering, problem solving, letter boxing, team building, camp craft and entertainment such as a night walk and Disco. All Form Tutors spend at least part of the time there with their tutees, we see this an excellent opportunity for the form groups to develop a strong team spirit thus encouraging a strong support base on which to build when back in College.
"The quality of care, guidance and support is good and has a positive impact on personal and academic development."
(OFSTED September 2006)
"...has changed beyond recognition, you have helped him in so many ways. He now believes in himself, he has grown to trust people and has a positive outlook on school."
(quote from a parent)
Primary Liaison: Mrs M Newton
