Transitions

Within the Hazlehead ASG we have a Transitions Teacher who dedicates 3 days per week to plan and organise transition activities and ensure that our pupils and staff are supported.

Transitions at all stages can be a worrying time for some and it is important that the process is as supportive as can be.  Staff are very responsive to the needs of our learners and if needed, will adapt processes to ensure that the learners are fully supported.

The 4 main transition times are:

1. Start of school year transitions (August)

2. Moving to our school during the school year

3. Nursery - Primary 1

4. Primary 7 - S1

The beginning of a new school session can be a daunting one, even for pupils who have been in our school for a long time. In July, as we break up for summer, pupils are comfortable with their class surroundings, class routines and their class teacher. While change can be exciting, we recognise that if can also be challenging. We place a strong emphasis on ensuring smooth and supportive transitions for all our pupils.  In the lead up to the summer we offer a range of transition activities designed to help our pupils feel confident and prepared. 

In June

• Pupils being informed of their new teacher as soon as possible towards the end of term 4.

• Informal drop in visits to their current classroom from their new teacher.

• 1:1 time with pupils who may need additional support with building relationships.

• Meet the teacher day where pupils will spend a section of the day with their new teacher in their new classroom.

• Visual 'My New Class' leaflet to support and remind pupils of changes over the summer.

• Pupil Passports where our learners can share likes, dislikes, strengths, worries with their new teacher to help build early rapport.

• Additional bespoke support for pupils with additional support needs.

In August

The emphasis for the first few weeks of the new school session is about building relationships.  Class teachers will focus on getting to know their learners and spending time letting their learners get to know them. Key elements of this can include:

• Team-building games

• Establishing routines and expectations

• Familiarisation of the classroom and location of resources

• Creation of class charter

• Identification of class roles and responsibilities in line with school values

Pupils will begin transition activities in preparation for moving to the academy as early as Primary 6.

In zone pupils for Countesswells usually move on to Hazlehead Academy, although parents are welcome to apply to any Aberdeen City school for an out of zone placement.

Youth Work Team

The Youth Work Team, based at Hazlehead Academy offer a number of different supports that schools can request in both Primary 6 and Primary 7.  These include:

• Transition support

• Support with confidence

• Support with resilience

• High 5 Award

Active Schools

Active Schools have a lot of involvement in transition activities for our older pupils.  In Primary 6, pupils will be involved in the ASG Games.  This usually happens in May and pupils from all 5 feeder schools will attend the academy for a morning of activities, mixing with pupils from the other schools.

As Primary 7s progress through their final year of primary school, Active Schools put on ASG activities that pupils are welcome to sign up for.  These are open to all pupils from the feeder schools and can include football, basketball and this year saw the introduction of a hot chocolate catch up!

Google Classroom

From August each year a transition Google Classroom will be created and all pupils invited to join.  Termly challenges are added to this as well as the sharing of key information about transition activities.

Profiles

Every Primary 7 will complete a P7 Profile.  These are shared with guidance staff and help them get to know the pupils.

Visits

Over the year there are many different visits which take place.  These include:

• S1 pupils visiting to talk about their own experiences of the academy.

• Visits from academy school staff - Art / Science to deliver some learning experiences in a familiar environment.

• Visits to the academy - Library visit, tour of the school.

• Enhanced transitions visits (for those who may benefit from additional visits and meeting of staff)

• 3 day visit to include an induction, following their timetable and meeting peers and staff.

• Visit from police outreach team to discuss peer influences.

For Parents

• During term 1 parents are invited to the S1 Curricular Evening held at the academy.

• Termly transition newsletters.

• Parent's Open Evening