We know that starting in year 7 is a big step for young people. It can also be an anxiuos time for parents and families. Our aim at Ysgol Llanhari is to ensure that the pupils feel ready and excited to make the important leap to Year 7 with confidence.
At Ysgol Llanhari, we plan carefully to ensure effective transition for those pupils who join Ysgol Llanhari in Year 7 from our link primary schools, Ysgol Gynradd Dolau, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tonyrefail ac Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Gymraeg Llantrisant and from Year 6 at Ysgol Llanhari.
Transition Team
To make sure your child settles into life in the secondary department, we have a team of staff available to help.
We work very closely together as four schools to ensure that pupils’ academic and social needs are taken into account when they transfer. Information that will be of benefit in helping the pupil settle into year 7 is transferred in advance through a series of meetings between the Year 6 teacher and the Year 7 Standards of Achievement Lead, the Wellbeing Co-ordinator and members of the support team.
The views of pupils, along with primary and secondary staff are sought when placing the pupils in mixed ability registration classes – usually before the end of the summer term. Parents are also encouraged to let the school know of any wishes or concerns in this regard to ease the transition process.
Year 5 Transition Events
Cluster Project
A fair for Year 5 pupils is held in the Spring term annually. All schools in the Cluster are invited to prepare a small thematic project and then share with us at a ‘fair’ in the Middle Hall. This is a great opportunity for pupils from the four schools to get to know each other and to celebrate the work they have all produced.
Gŵyl Hwyl – our ‘Fun Festival’
Year 5 pupils visit the school for a transition day at the end of the Summer Term to take part in a sports festival facilitated by the Urdd.
Open Evening
An open evening is held for parents and Year 5 pupils during the Summer Term. During this evening, the Headteacher, along with members of the current 6th Form and Year 7, present Ysgol Llanahri to parents and primary pupils. There is an opportunity to tour the departments and get a taste of school life.
Years 5 & 6
International Languages Lessons
Our Modern Languages department teachers have been timetabled to teach at each of our primary schools and in Year 6 at Ysgol Llanhari on a weekly basis to teach French, Spanish and Italian taster lessons. International Languages has an important place in the New Curriculum for Wales and this offers new and exciting opportunities for us to work across our cluster schools. This project aims to inspire pupils’ interest before they join us in Year 7 and gives them a head start in learning a foreign language.
Year 6
The Year 7 & 8 Attainment Standards Leader participates fully in the transition arrangements throughout the year, becoming a familiar face for Year 6 pupils. The Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for transition leads the process ensuring that key inclusion, wellbeing and academic staff work together so that all pupils have a successful transition that will enable them to continue their learning immediately on reaching Year 7.
Transition Days
During Year 6, pupils come to Ysgol Llanhari for two days during the Autumn and Spring or Summer terms for fun themed activities. As part of these days, they will have the opportunity to tour the school building and meet key members of staff.
Question and Answer Sessions
Some of our older pupils visit all Year 6 cluster pupils’ classes for a question and answer session. This is a great opportunity for pupils to experience the excitement of the move to secondary education, and to be reassured them as they prepare to move into Year 7.
Parents’ Information Evening
An information evening is held for parents and cluster Year 6 pupils at Ysgol Llanhari at the end of the summer term to share organizational information prior to starting in September.
Yr.7 Induction Course
All pupils in Year 7 are encouraged to attend the induction course at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff in September in order to to get to know each other as a year group and to enjoy each other’s company through the medium of Welsh.
