If your child is planning to start Whitley Academy soon, please listen to our collection of podcasts produced by Year 7 pupils on settling in to life at Whitley Academy.

As part of our transition program we aim to give pupils the opportunity to;

• Develop new friends and enjoy school life.
• Settle quickly in the school building and feel safe in and around school.
• Foster their interest in school and school work.
• Help pupils get used to new routines and expectations as quickly as possible.

And here’s how we do it..

In Year 5

• WWW – ‘What’s Wicked at Whitley’ – Over two days the local primaries will bring their Year 5 classes in to try a variety of subjects.

In Year 6

• Open evening. This is first chance for anyone to come and see what Whitley has to offer.
• Taster sessions for feeder primaries in many subjects throughout the academic year.
• English, Science and Maths support in identified feeder primaries.
• Termly family events where everyone can get involved and meet the staff.
• Behaviour and emotional support for pupils in Year 6 from our specialist staff.
• Induction Day for all pupils.
• Two separate induction days for those most at need and those that come from primaries with only a few pupils coming to Whitley Academy.

We also realise that for some pupils the transition process can last for a term or two, not just weeks. We have a brilliant Pastoral Support Manager directly looking after Year 7 and a great Inclusion team that will be there to look out for those that may need extra support.