Any Questions

Here are the answers to some questions we get asked frequently by pupils in Year 6

Can I bring my mobile phone?

Mobile phones should be off and in the bottom of your bag - we'd rather they weren't brought at all, but if they are because a parent wants to keep in touch on the way to or home from school, then they must never be used in school or seen. If they are seen then they are confiscated until the end of the day. (Switched off and in your bag)

How will I know what lessons I have each day?

You will be issued a timetable on the first day which tells you what lessons you have each day and which rooms they are in.

Will I get lost?

Maybe at first, but you will have a map and everyone in school will be around to help find your way - after two weeks you'll know your way like the back of your hand.

What happens at break and lunchtime?

We are lucky enough to have a school canteen, where some pupils choose to bring their own lunch or  they eat at picnic tables outside. The school canteen serves a range of hot snacks and cold snacks along side a 'Meal of the Day'. Vegetarian options are also available. Pupils pay for the food they buy from the canteen and this is done through a bio-metric finger print system which allows parents to top up on line, or pupils to put money on their account via their fingerprint and pay at the till. This is a much more secure and hygienic system than having money and food in the same area. 

Can I bring my bike?

Yes you can. We have many pupils who ride their bikes to school, and we have an area for you to lock them up in.

Will I be in a class with my friends?

Yes and No. Classes will be decided before you join us in St Illtyd's and we aim to put pupils in a class with at least one other pupil from the same primary school but we can't guarantee this will be your closest friends. We aim to mix pupils up so that they can make lots of new friends at school, as well as seeing their old friends at break and lunchtimes.

Do I have to wear my blazer?

You must wear your blazer when walking around the corridors and to start and finish every lesson. Once the lesson begins you may ask to remove it in the classroom and of course you can take it off during lunchtime.

Do I have to pray?

Yes, as a Catholic school we say prayers during registration every morning, and during assembly. Many lessons will also start with a prayer. If you are unfamiliar with praying or feel uncomfortable you may stay silent during this time of contemplation.

Will I have to move classrooms?

Yes, the main difference between primary and secondary school is that each subject has a specialised classroom to suit that subject and pupils move to their teachers for this specialist instruction.

Where do I go if I need help?

Each year group in St Illtyd's has a Head of Year and an Assistant Head of Year. For you, these will be Mrs Hobbs and Mrs Shanahan. They will show you their office when you start and you can always ask to go and see them if you have any problems. They also stand on the Year 7 playground during break times if you want a quiet chat for any reason.

Can I email staff?

Yes, all of our teachers share their school email addresses with pupils so that if they get stuck with any work they can email for help.

How are classes streamed?   

​Pupils in year 7 are set for English, Welsh and Maths and are taught in mixed ability classes (their tutor group) for all other subjects. 

Do we have school trips and if so what kind of places will we visit? 

There are end of year trips for all pupils, but there are also educational trips throughout the year. In recent years there have been trips to New York, Disneyland Paris, sailing weekends, Hay Book Festival trip and many more! 

What do we do in PE?   

In PE, we try to give you a flavour of as many sports as we can. This will include: Health and Fitness, Rugby, Football, Netball, Baseball, Athletics, Basketball, Gymnastics, Dance, Ultimate Frisbee, Benchball.

What stationery and books will I need for secondary school? 

You won't need any specific books until you reach KS4. 

You should have a bag, a pen, pencil, ruler, calculator for every lesson. A scientific calculator would be best but if you only have a standard one that will do for year 7. You will need a protractor and compass for some lessons, so best to have them with them with you from the start of the year. 

Is there a way to get a locker? 

We do not have lockers.

Do we need to upload any apps for secondary school and if so which ones? 

We use Google Classroom at St Illtyd's and this is used through any web browser, no apps are needed.

What sports teams are there to join and how soon are the trials? 

We run football, rugby, netball, basketball, baseball and athletics teams.

When will you be allowed to join clubs and what clubs are there? 

Anyone can join the clubs, which usually start in September. There is a list of clubs on our transition site under extra-curricular. 

Can we help paint/make the props in the school plays? 

We have a Drama club, who put on small plays and pupils are involved in making props and scenery. 

Each year we also put on a large production and usually the props are all hired from a company so there is no need for us to do anything, but it would be great if you wanted to get involved backstage or on stage for our productions.

How often is assembly? 

Assembly is once a week, it will be for Year 7 only and this is held on a Friday between 8.30- 8.50 am (tutor time).