Year 6 Transition

Supporting a confident and positive start to secondary school

Starting secondary school is an exciting step, but it can also feel a little worrying for both pupils and their families.

At St Richard’s, we understand that moving from Year 6 to Year 7 is a significant transition. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil feels confident, supported and ready to begin their journey with us.

This section provides key information about starting at St Richard’s, including what to expect, how the transition process works, and the support available for pupils and parents and carers throughout the year. You will also find answers to common questions to help you feel confident and prepared.

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Applying for Year 7

Transition (Academic Year Overview)

September

  • Roadshows in feeder schools in Bexhill, St Leonards, Hastings and Eastbourne
  • Transition workshop led by Mr Bligh for new Year 7 parents
  • Coffee morning for new Year 7 parents
  • PSHEe focus on settling into St Richard’s

October

  • Open Evening
  • Induction Mass for new Year 7 pupils

November

  • PTFA disco for new Year 7 pupils

January

  • Presentation to Year 6 pupils at feeder schools about moving to secondary school

January – June

  • 4–6 visits to feeder schools to complete the transition programme
  • Visits to pupils who do not attend feeder schools to complete a 1:1 transition programme

March

  • Year 6 tours with the Pastoral or Senior Leadership Team

May – June

  • Visits to pupils who have gained a place on appeal

May – July

  • Taster lessons delivered by subject staff in primary schools

June

  • New Intake Evening

July

  • New Intake Days
  • Year 6 Retreat led by the Lay Chaplain

Catholic Feeder Schools

Pupils attending Catholic feeder schools will receive between 4–6 visits from Mr Bligh. Each session focuses on a different aspect of transition and gives pupils the opportunity to ask questions about life in Year 7.

Sessions include:

  • Similarities and differences between primary school and St Richard’s
  • What pupils are looking forward to and any worries they may have
  • College routines and expectations
  • What makes a good friend and how pupils can support each other
  • Pupil voice activities
  • A Year 7 presentation delivered by former pupils

Taster Days

During Term 6, pupils are invited into St Richard’s for three days. These days are designed to help pupils feel confident and prepared by giving them an early experience of life at secondary school.

Pupils will:

  • Spend time in their new form classes
  • Take part in a range of typical Year 7 lessons
  • Begin to make new friends
  • Become familiar with the layout of the college

Pupils are supported throughout by older pupils and members of staff, helping them feel welcome and settled. Full details are shared at the New Intake Evening, including:

  • Timings for each day
  • Travel arrangements
  • Lesson schedules

Pupils should:

  • Wear their primary school uniform
  • Bring a pencil case
  • Bring money or a packed lunch

Please note that food is not available to purchase at break time, so pupils should bring a snack.

Form Classes and Settling In

At St Richard’s, we have a horizontal form class system, with eight form classes in each year group. Each form class is named using a letter from the word F.L.O.U.R.I.S.H, which reflects our values as a school.

The year group is divided into two halves (F.L.O.U and R.I.S.H) to support timetabling.

Each form class is also linked to a House, which is used for competitions across the college. Pupils will wear a House-coloured PE kit.

Form classes meet every day for registration (unless there is an assembly). This time is used to:

  • Receive key information for the day
  • Prepare for lessons
  • Use lockers
  • Take part in activities such as DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), wellbeing sessions, numeracy challenges and PSHEe

Student Listeners attend registration once a week and are also available at break and lunchtime on the Year 7 playground. Further information can be found in the Support section.

The College Day and Daily Life

The college day differs from primary school. Pupils will receive a timetable in September, which remains the same throughout the year.

  • 6 lessons per day
  • Each lesson lasts 50 minutes
  • A bell signals the end of each lesson

The day begins at 8:40am with registration, followed by lessons 1 and 2.

  • Morning break: after lesson 2
  • Lunch: after lesson 4

End of day: 3:15pm

Travelling to and from College

For many pupils, this is their first experience of travelling independently. We work closely with local transport providers to ensure pupils travel safely.

Arriving at College

Pupils can arrive from 8:00am and:

  • Use breakfast facilities
  • Visit the library (from 8:30am)
  • Use lockers
  • Meet friends

Registration begins at 8:40am.

Trains

Staff are present at the train station each morning and afternoon to support pupils.

We work closely with station staff, and pupils can also seek help from them if needed. Year 11 Prefects are available to help, particularly on trains.

Bus

School buses and public buses serve different areas, with staff and older pupils supporting younger pupils at both ends of the day.

Walking

Pupils can walk using a range of routes. Road safety is reinforced during Term 1.

Car

Parents are advised to avoid Ashdown Road during busy times.

Recommended drop-off points:

  • Seafront (TN40 1PB)
  • Links Drive (TN40 1TA)

How to Contact Us

Telephone
01424 731070

  • Option 1: Dial an extension (if known)
  • Option 2: Absence line
  • Option 3: Reception

All staff have voicemail, which is linked to email.

Email

General enquiries: admin@strichardscc.com

Starting Strong at St Richard’s

  • Top Tips for Starting Year 7

    • Label all belongings clearly
    • Keep important contact numbers written in the pupil planner
    • Download Edulink to monitor progress
    • Encourage completing homework on the day it is set
    • Provide a quiet space for homework
    • Pack school bags the night before
    • Talk regularly about the school day
    • Practise the journey to school in advance
    • Agree a plan for travel issues
    • Learn how to tie a tie

    Online Safety

    • Keep communication open about online activity
    • Charge devices downstairs overnight
    • Agree clear rules for internet use
    • Keep devices in shared spaces
    • Be aware of age restrictions on social media

    Advice from Current Year 7 Pupils

    • Smile and be friendly
    • Take pride in your uniform
    • Join clubs
    • Ask for help if needed
    • Do homework on time
    • Don’t worry about getting lost
    • Always try your best
    • Eat well and stay energised
    • Be yourself

Visits to Primary Schools

Each pupil who attends a school in East Sussex will be visited by a member of the Transition Team. If your son or daughter does not attend a school in East Sussex, Mr Bligh will make contact to arrange a mutually convenient meeting before the New Intake Evening in Term 6.

During the transition period, pupils will also receive regular online sessions to complete. A workbook is provided in the initial welcome pack sent to parents and carers in March.

These sessions are designed to complement visits to St Richard’s and primary schools, while also helping parents and carers support their child’s transition.

Non-Catholic Feeder Schools

The programme for pupils from non-Catholic feeder schools is very similar. It is delivered through one or two visits, depending on the needs of the pupils and the number joining from each school.

While it is not always possible to include past pupils in every visit, we strongly encourage parents and carers to attend the Year 6 tours held in March. These provide valuable opportunities to hear from current pupils and ask questions about life at St Richard’s.

Year 6 Tours

Year 6 pupils and their families are invited to visit St Richard’s in March. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the college and begin to feel familiar with the environment before starting in September.

Pupils will:

  • Take part in a guided tour of the college
  • Meet members of the Pastoral and Senior Leadership Team
  • Learn more about daily life at St Richard’s

Tour dates are shared with parents and carers in the welcome pack.

We strongly encourage families to attend, as this is a valuable opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of what to expect.

Creating Form Classes

Creating form classes is a detailed process. Information is gathered through visits to primary schools, discussions with Year 6 teachers and conversations with pupils.

Form classes are carefully balanced using the following priorities:

  1. Creating mixed-ability groups
  2. Balancing feeder schools
  3. Balancing gender
  4. Considering which pupils work well together

Pupils may hear about the “Magic Numbers” during transition sessions. These help explain the structure of the school:

  • 8 – Number of Year 7 form classes (F.L.O.U.R.I.S.H)
  • 25 – Approximate number of pupils in each form
  • 35 – Approximate number of feeder schools
  • 200 – Approximate number of pupils in Year 7
  • 1000 – Approximate number of pupils in the school

Please note:

  • Friendship groups cannot always be guaranteed, although every effort is made
  • Form classes are mainly for registration; most lessons are taught in different groupings

Extracurricular Clubs

Year 7 pupils are encouraged to take part in the wide range of extra-curricular clubs available.

Every subject offers clubs, providing opportunities to:

  • Make new friends
  • Develop interests and talents
  • Take part in performances and events

All clubs are free. Some activities may require commitment where pupils are representing the college, such as sports fixtures, drama performances or events like Time to Dance.

Support and Communication

At St Richard’s, we value our close relationship with parents and carers. This partnership plays an important role in helping pupils feel safe, happy and successful.

We encourage parents and carers to contact us if they have any concerns. Moving to secondary school can feel like a big change, particularly for families experiencing it for the first time, and we are here to support you.

You can find details on how to contact us and who to contact below.

Who to Contact

  • Form Tutor
    First point of contact for most queries, including wellbeing, friendships, attendance and general progress
  • Subject Teacher
    For subject-specific questions, homework or classroom-based concerns
  • Pastoral Leader (Year 7)
    For wider concerns, including behaviour, safeguarding, home life or overall progress

Mr Bligh is always happy to speak with parents and carers and provide support where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will my child be with their friends?
    We always try to place pupils in form classes where they feel comfortable. However, friendship groups cannot always be guaranteed, as classes are carefully balanced to support all pupils.

    What should my child do if they feel worried or unsure?
    There is a strong support network in place. Form Tutors, the Pastoral Leader and Student Listeners are all available to help. Pupils are encouraged to speak to a member of staff if they need support.

    What happens if my child gets lost?
    This is a common worry, but there are always staff and older pupils available to help. Pupils are supported throughout their first days and quickly become familiar with the college.

    Who should I contact if I have a concern?
    Your child’s Form Tutor is usually the first point of contact. For subject-specific queries, you can contact the relevant teacher. For wider concerns, the Pastoral Leader for Year 7 is available to help.

    How can I help my child prepare for starting school?
    You can support your child by encouraging good routines, talking regularly about their day, practising the journey to school and supporting homework habits.

    How will my child travel safely to and from school?
    We work closely with local transport providers and have staff available to support pupils, particularly at the train station and on school routes.

    Are there opportunities to visit the school before September?
    Yes. Pupils can attend Year 6 tours and Taster Days, which provide valuable opportunities to explore the college, meet staff and experience lessons before starting.