Year 5/6 Transition
It is important to all of us at Richard Lander School that new students joining us feel they know the school well before they start in Year 7 so they can start their education at at our school with confidence and a smile.
Our induction actually starts in Years 4, 5 & 6 when we welcome students in for all manner of activities: sporting events, musical and dance projects, gifted and talented subject based days, creative writing days and so on. Our staff and students also work at times in the primary school context, so we are familiar faces in all our primary feeder schools.
Once families have made Richard Lander School their secondary school of choice in Year 6, there is a range of activities on offer including a 2 day induction in the summer term, where Year 6 students get to meet their new classmates and get to do lots of exciting educational activities.
When they start in Year 7, each student will be ‘buddied’ with an older member of their vertical tutor group. This is one of the reasons why the vertical tutor system works so well as it offers the chance for older students to mentor new Year 7 students through their first year at school.
In the first term at Richard Lander School, parents are able to meet with their child’s tutor, and also meet other Year 6 parents whose child is in the same tutor group. This also provides an opportunity for parents to give some feedback to the school regarding the first few weeks, and we do value this communication.
The move from Year 6 to Year 7 is an important point for primary school children and for their parents. As a school, we do our best to ensure that this transition is supported through lots of contact with the school and opportunities for both parents and children to meet students and staff at Richard Lander.
Transition arrangements will include opportunities such as:
- Collaborative primary school days at Richard Lander School (for example, creative writing days, sports days and so on)
- Various gifted and talented workshops
- 2 induction days in the summer term
- Visits by senior staff at Richard Lander to feeder primary schools, to meet with parents and Year 6 students
Transition arrangements for Year 6 are co-ordinated by Miss Watts. If any parent has an issue they would like to raise with her directly, please contact her through the link below.
Admissions to Richard Lander School, including the setting of the oversubscription criteria, are handled by the Local Authority (the Admissions Authority). Parents are advised to read the Local Authority’s Admissions policy which can be found at: www.cornwall.gov.uk/admissions
A copy of our prospectus is available here
If you have any questions about transition please contact
What happens on my child’s first day at school?
Your child will need to arrive at school by 8.30 a.m., upon which s/he will be guided to the main hall. Following a brief welcome talk, students will be escorted to spend time with their Tutor Group, where they will remain until 12 Noon. Lessons will then begin! Year 7 students are allowed to go to lunch 5 minutes earlier than the rest of the school and should they catch a bus home, they will be released from their last lesson a few minutes minutes early.
My child is worried about getting lost in school.What advice should I give?
Don’t panic! We understand that, in the early days, Year 7 students may well be a little confused. They should simply ask a teacher for directions, visit Student Support or ask an older student.
Tell me more about the vertical tutor grouping.
Our school is organised into four Learning Communities, that are composed of vertically-organised Tutor Groups. This means that the Tutor Group has a selection of students from Years 7 – 11 within it. This works well: we have noted that students, whatever their age, help and support each other. The vertical Tutor Groups have led to increased and positive confidence levels for our students.
When does the tutor group meet?
Class teachers check in with students during the first 10 minutes of lessons one. In the afternoon, students spend 30 minutes with their tutor group. Key Stage 3 tutor groups meet from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Tutor time affords an opportunity for the group’s tutor to chat with your child and for your child to raise any issues with the tutor.
Will my child get a locker?
Yes! You’ll receive further details, regarding locks, at the start of the academic year.
Where do you recommend we buy the school uniform?
Richard Lander School uniform is available from Trutex. Many parents may prefer to order online via www.trutexdirect.com. Register using our schools LEA code: LEA00959SC. This will take you to the Richard Lander School uniform page, where you can see all items of our school uniform. The site is secure and orders can be placed quickly and safely, direct with Trutex. Alternatively, you can order from Trutex Direct by phone, call 01200 421206.
The school holds one sample of each item of stock and in every size. Parents who want to check their child’s size by trying on an item before they buy it online are welcome to do so by contacting thier child’s Pastoral Manager.
PE kit is available from Whirlwind Sports. Parents can order online at https://www.whirlwindsports.com/brands/richard-lander-sports-kit.html or visit their shop: Whirlwind Sports, 29a River Street, Truro, TR1 2SJ – Tel: 01872 277763
Tell me more about your jewellery and make-up regulations?
Make up should not be worn. A simple pair of earrings can be worn, but no more than one earring per ear. One simple ring can be worn on each hand. We do not allow bracelets.
When is the canteen open?
The canteen is open from 8 a.m. until the start of the school day, when students may purchase drinks and breakfast items e.g. a croissant. At 10.40 a.m. the canteen re-opens for mid morning snacks and then again at lunchtime which is 1:00 – 1:30 pm. Students who bring in a packed lunch are also welcome to use the canteen.
What equipment should I buy my child for their first day at school?
Pens, pencils (including coloured ones) are a must, as is a ruler. Maths of course would like every child to ensure they have their own protractor, pair of compasses, an eraser and an highlighter pen. A calculator will also be required. A suitably sized pencil case could will be needed to safely store the items. Students should also bring a reading book.
If you’ve arrived at this page, you must be considering joining Richard Lander School. Welcome!