Transition

Introduction

A great deal of preparation is made beforehand to ensure a smooth a transition from our Primary partner schools. We are very aware that transition from Primary school can mean quite a dramatic change for many pupils, therefore, we are very keen to get to know our partner Primary school pupils well before they arrive at Bryn Tawe, so that they settle in as quickly as possible.

As part of our successful transition programme our primary school pupils will visit Bryn Tawe throughout Year 6 on varied activities related to learning and socialising with colleagues and pupils from all the primary schools. These involve animation, science and food technology lessons, an entrepreneurial competition, sport skills sessions and team building activities, “taster” lessons in a range of subjects and the transition residential course to Llangrannog. You will receive a timetable of all the activities and dates as part of our transition programme.

Starting secondary school

FAQ

Your child needs to be outside their registration class, ready to start the registration period with their form teacher by 8.35 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, there will be a KS3 assembly for Years 7, 8 and 9 so pupils will go straight to the main hall by 8.35 rather than the registration room.
Due to Covid 19, it is possible that large assemblies may not be held in September, alternatively, assemblies / thought for the day will be held during registration periods.
8.35–9.00
Registration / Assembly (Wednesday)
9.00–9.50
Lesson 1
9.50–10.40
Lesson 2
10.40–11.00
Break
11.00–11.50
Lesson 3
11.50–12.40
Lesson 4
12.40–1.30
Lunch
1.30– 2.20
Lesson 5
2.20–3.10
Lesson 6
Again, due to the current situation regarding Coronavirus, the day may be structured differently, more details to follow.
Please ensure your child has a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, sharpener, calculator, coloured pencils and contact book for every lesson.
Students will need the following equipment every day; pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, pencil sharpener and a pencil case. This list of basic equipment will be displayed in the students’ planners as well as on their tutor room display board. Students are also required to bring in their PE kit on the days that they have PE. On some occasions, students may be asked to bring in other items, such as ingredients for practical Food Technology lessons, they will be notified about this in advance.
Please see the school’s uniform policy
Bryn Tawe has a clear anti-bullying policy, the school will not tolerate bullying of any kind and each case will be dealt with swiftly, thoroughly and sensitively. Pupils must report any issue to a member of staff so that the problem can be dealt with promptly.
The City and County of Swansea are responsible for school transport. They will contact you in August with travel arrangements for your child. If you have any further queries, please contact them directly.
There are many people available to help, should a pupil have a problem. Your child’s form tutor sees them daily, and is a regular point of contact, so they are in a good position to help. Pupils can ask any member of staff for help at any time, they can ask the Leader of Learning or a Year 10 mentor, should they lack the confidence to approach an adult. Pupils can go to the school office for practical help e.g. if they are lost, need to contact home, are unwell or need first aid.
Pupils may bring a mobile phone to school. The school policy allows pupils to use their phones during break and lunchtime only (but not during or between lessons). Pupils can play games or music on their phones (with headphones) and send text messages. Pupils are not permitted to make calls (without a staff member’s permission), use social media sites or take photos or videos on school premises. Pupils who fail to comply with the policy may lose the use of a phone for a period of time and if the problem persists, they may lose the privilege of bringing a phone to school altogether for a period of time, or even permanently.
Pupils can choose to have lunch in the school canteen or bring their own packed lunch if preferred. Pupils will receive a permission slip for parents to fill in to have their thumb print scanned to pay for lunch. Alternatively, pupils can use a pin number instead of a thumb print.
You can pay money into your child’s account by using ‘Squid’ or by sending a cheque to the school office. If you prefer, your child can load cash straight onto their account by using the machines we have in school. If your child is entitled to free school meals, money will be loaded automatically onto their account.
There are a wide variety of meals on offer in the canteen, pupils choose their meal and pay for each item individually. There is a ‘meal of the Day’ option available daily, this is a more economical option when choosing a meal. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, please contact the school if your child has any specific dietary requirements.
Pupils receive one piece of homework a week in the core subjects (Welsh, English, Mathematics and Science) and one piece a fortnight in the other subjects. Homework will be placed on the ‘Satchel One’ app. Both parents and pupils can log in to the app and receive notifications when homework is set. Homework set will be in both Welsh and English.