Transition

*Please note that due to Covid-19, this year transition events are likely to take on a different format. A Year 6 transition zone for pupils and their families joining Newhouse Academy in September 2020 can be viewed by following this link.

What is Transition?

Transition is the period of time from preparing to move from Primary School until successful settlement in Secondary School.

At Newhouse Academy we recognise that the transition from primary to secondary school is a critical time for students involving several changes in educational expectations and practices. Our Year 7 team oversee the transition of students from primary to secondary school. They are, our Head of Year 7, Mrs Mears and Head of Keystage 3, Mr Heppolette, along with the pastoral and SEN staff. A well designed transition process helps maintain the strong sense of belonging that students felt in their primary school. This is very important if students are to continue to enjoy and succeed academically and personally.

When can I have a look around Newhouse Academy?

*Please note that due to Covid-19, this year our open evening may take on a different format. Updated information will be available nearer the time.

Parents, carers and children are welcome to visit Newhouse Academy at any time. Simply telephone or email to request a suitable day and time. An Open Evening will be held in Autumn, where the Headteacher will give a talk and there will be an opportunity to look around the school. Students and staff will be available to answer questions and visitors can see displays of students’ work. You will also be given a school prospectus on the evening, but one can be requested at any time by contacting the school.

Process of Transition

Below is the transition process which takes place from June in Year 5 until the students have completed their first half term in the October of Year 7.

June – Year 5 Taster Days
September – The Transition Team visit primary schools to meet students and discuss transition.
September / October – Newhouse Academy Open Evening.
October – Secondary school application forms returned.
March/April – Congratulations letter from Newhouse Academy confirming a student’s place.
May/June – The Transition Team visit primary schools to find out some information about the students and speak to the Year 6 teacher. Welcome Pack sent to parents/carers.
July
Induction Evening – this is the evening before Induction Day and is an opportunity for Parents/Carers to meet the Senior Leadership Team and Form Tutors and to receive important information about Newhouse Academy.
Induction Day – this is an opportunity for students to meet their Year 7 Form Tutor and experience a day at Newhouse Academy.
September – First day at Newhouse Academy.
December / January – Year 7 Parents Evening – this is an opportunity for Parents/Carers to speak to Form Tutors and teachers about how their child is settling in.

Transition Event Information

Year 5 Taster Day

During June in Year 5 students will visit our school for the whole or part of the day. This allows them to experience time in secondary school, moving to different lessons, having lunch in the cafeteria and meeting different teachers. They will get to meet our Peer Mentors who will take them from lesson to lesson to make sure they don’t get lost.

Year 6 Induction Evening and Day

On Year 6 Induction Evening Students and Parents/Carers will be invited in to school so that they can receive some important information on how best to support their child whilst they are at Newhouse Academy. Students and their Parents/Carers will have an opportunity to meet Form Tutors and ask any questions of the staff that are present on the night.

Year 6 Induction Day usually happens the day after Induction Evening. Students will be invited to Newhouse Academy for the day. They will spend time with their Form Tutor and the other children who will be in their form. Throughout the day our Peer Mentors will show Students around and make sure they understand what is going on. It will be an important day as they will receive lots of information and get an idea of what it will be like when they join Newhouse Academy in September.

Starting at Newhouse Academy

What is the Academy day like?

School opens at 8:00am for breakfast clubs.
All students must be in their form rooms by 8:45am at the very latest and school finishes at 3:10pm allowing students time to complete homework or participate in an extra-curricular activity.

Having different teachers for different subjects may take a while to get used to. It also means there is a lot of moving around between lessons as everyone moves to their next classroom. Lessons last for around 60 minutes and there are five lessons in a day. In the morning you will have Registration / Form Time / Assembly followed by two lessons, then a 20 minute break. After break there is one more lesson then lunch. Students have two more lessons before the end of the school day. School finishes at 3:10pm each day

Will I be with my friends in my form group?

A question often asked is, “will I be with my friends?”. The answer to this question most of the time is “yes”. When you have been accepted for a place at Newhouse Academy the Transition Team will visit you at your primary school. They will speak to your Year 6 teacher. The team then try and make sure you are placed in a Form with at least one friend from your friend’s group. It is not always possible to ensure that everyone gets everything they want. Also, part of transition is the fun of meeting new people.

What is the school uniform like?

Newhouse Academy believe that a smart uniform worn properly is very important because it demonstrates the pride that students take in themselves and the school and also shows a readiness for learning. We expect all students to wear full school uniform at all times.

The new uniform comprises of a grey blazer, black skirt/trousers and a shirt and tie. We are currently working with uniform suppliers on this and will advise you as further details become available.

What lessons will I have?

In Year 7 students will study:

Curriculum
English	Religious Education	Music
Mathematics	French	Dance and Drama
Science	Computing	Physical Education
History	Technology	PSHCE
Geography	Art

What if I am ill or late?

Newhouse Academy have high expectations regarding punctuality and attendance in school, which are important if you are to make good progress. If you are unable to come to school due to an illness a parent or carer must let school know as soon as possible. We also advise that you go on holiday during the school holidays. Any holidays taken during term time cannot be authorised and may result in action being taken.

If you are late to school you will still be able to enter through the student entrance but may have to press the intercom so the pastoral office can open the gate for you. Late is arriving after the start of registration. If this is without good reason, a late detention may be given (dropping off a brother or sister at school, the alarm clock not going off or problems with transport are not valid reasons for lateness).
To avoid lateness we expect all students to be on site by 8:40am

What are the school dinners like?

The school operates a cashless system for purchasing food in the cafeteria. Top ups can be added to students accounts via Wisepay’s secure online payment service. Alternatively, students are able to pay for their dinners by cheque handed in to student services or by cash using the machines in school. When students make a purchase in the cafeteria, the catering staff will use a fingerprint scanner to identify you. The cashless system means students don’t have to worry about losing their money and they will be able to get their dinner a lot quicker! Full instructions on how to use this system will be given to you during Induction Day and on your first day at Newhouse Academy.

Snacks and drinks are available from the canteen before school and at morning break, including toast, teacakes, cheese bagels and bacon butties. For lunch there are a range of hot and cold options, including main meals, pasta and sandwiches. At lunchtime, students must remain in school for lunch. If you are not purchasing a school dinner you may eat your packed lunch in the canteen.

Will I get bullied?

Year 7 students are often worried about bullying when they move to secondary school. We have a strict policy in place to tackle any form of bullying or discrimination; it has no place at Newhouse Academy and any incidents of bullying are taken very seriously. Every student has the right to be safe and happy in school, and to be protected when they are feeling vulnerable.

We feel it is important to create an atmosphere in school where students who are being bullied, or others who know it is happening, feel that they can speak to someone who will listen and that action will be taken swiftly but also sensitively. Not telling protects the Bully or Bullies and gives the message that they can continue, perhaps bullying others too. There are many people you can talk to in school.

How much homework will I get and how will I record it?

Students have access to Edulink One, this is our school information platform for students and parents. You can download Edulink One as an app to use on your phone or tablet or use the web version and login on a home computer. Edulink One has many features including being able to track what homework you have been set.

Students will also be given a school planner to record homework tasks and deadlines.

How can I get to school?

There are currently two school buses which run to and from Newhouse Academy, aiming to cover as much of the school catchment area as possible. Full information on the school bus service can be found by on the school bus information page.

Visit Transport for Greater Manchester for any other routes and journey planning.

Alternatively there is a bike rack available near the student entrance which is available for storing bikes throughout the day. Students are advised to wear a helmet if they ride to school and to provide their own lock for added security.

Admission Arrangements

Newhouse Academy is an 11-16 secondary school under the trusteeship of Hollingworth Learning Trust – a charitable company limited by and registered in England and Wales with company number 8314692 Cornfield Street, Milnrow, Rochdale, OL16 3DR

As an Academy, the Academy Trust is the Admissions Authority and is responsible for taking decisions on applications for admissions.

The co-ordination of admissions arrangements is undertaken by the Local Authority as in any Admission Appeal.

Further Questions

RMBC School Admissions Team
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale
OL16 1XU

Tel: 0300 3030340
Email: online.admissions@rochdale.gov.uk
Website: www.rochdale.gov.uk

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