Transition

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 Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Gregory-Harris, 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?

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. All staff are available to talk through our curriculum, SEND and pastoral care. With a strong focus on ‘Our People’ you will learn about the meaning of our values.

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

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.

Transition Event Information

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 7:55am with a free breakfast club open until 8:15am.

At 8:15am students line up in forms and then move on to their form rooms. Form time is 8:20am to 8:50am. School finishes at 2:45pm 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 50 minutes and there are six lessons in a day.

Year 7 have dedicated break and lunch times with no other year groups.

We have lots of extra-curricular clubs and activities for Year 7s to get involved with including sports clubs, art, creative writing, book clubs and much more.

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 uniform comprises of a grey blazer, black trousers and a shirt and tie. Details can be found here.

What lessons will I have?

In Year 7 students will study:

Curriculum
English	Religious Education	Music
Mathematics	Spanish	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 will 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 in their form rooms by 8:20am

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.

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 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.

To see the types of food options available see our current menus.

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 including form tutors, your head of year and the senior leaders. We also have an anonymous reporting system so anything you are worried about can be reported this way if you would prefer.

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, Suite 1, Floor 3, Hafley Court, Buckley Road, Rochdale, OL12 9DJ.

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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