FEATURE Wellingborough School
First steps on a new school journey
In September 2020 Wellingborough School introduced its Year 7 and 8 pupils to the Senior School as part of a whole school structural change. Joanne James, Head of Year 7 and Joseph Ramsden, Head of Year 8, gave their thoughts on how the fi rst few months have gone.
Years 7 & 8 were formerly part of the Prep School, why the change? JJ & JR: T e key outcome in moving Years 7 and 8 to the Senior School is improving the school’s ability to oversee the pupils’ learning journey as they approach the important GCSE years. With GCSE courses now approaching three years in length, this has become an even bigger priority.
10
How has the new structure been received and how have the pupils settled in? JJ: I have been very impressed by how all the pupils, both those who are new to the school and those who came from the Prep School, have embraced this academic year and settled with relative ease. JR: One of the best things about Year 8 pupils’ arrival into the Senior School has been the fact that they now have a dedicated environment of their own. T is has allowed Year 8 pupils a base, a hub to interact with friends and a place for tutors, and me as Head of Year, to monitor them pastorally.
How do your roles add to the overall experience of the pupil? JJ: Starting secondary school is a huge milestone. My role, along with tutors, is to ensure that pupils feel fully supported in their time in Year 7. I am here to support and nurture them to adapt to life in a much larger environment and to encourage the life skills which they will develop throughout their time at Wellingborough School. JR: My role, ultimately, is to keep Year 8 pupils healthy, happy and safe. I try to interact with every pupil in the year group at least once a day, asking them how they are getting on. Whether they need my help with friendship issues or to take a pair of bolt-cutters to a misbehaving padlock, them out.
together we will sort
What is the most enjoyable part of your new roles? JJ: T e daily interaction with the pupils is without a doubt my favourite part of this role. Whether it be helping pupils to locate missing items of their games kit or trying to decipher a code for a locker – there is never a dull moment!
ALL THINGS BUSINESS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
