Guidance for pupils and parents joining RCCS in September 2024

Please note all information such as achool times, uniform, term dates etc can be found in the Parents and Carers section of this website

Please click HERE to go to our new dedicated Risca Cluster website.

Successful Transition 

There are lots of things that make a successful transition but some of the more frequent aspects may include the following:

• Developing new friends and improving your self-esteem and confidence.

• Settling into school life so that it does not cause concerns for parents/ carers.

• Getting used to a new routine and school organisation. 

• Being able to show an interest in your new school and school work. 

• Experiencing curriculum continuity.  

Sharing of information 

School closures will not stop RCCS and your Primary School from working together to support your transition! The reason for sharing a variety of information is for us to better understand you as an individual and help prepare you to join our secondary school. Sharing information will also help us address any worries or concerns you have before you even begin whilst encouraging and reassuring you of what to expect, how the school works and by giving advice and tips on how to enjoy yourself at RCCS. As well as sharing information with one another we will look to host a virtual tour of the school if we are still closed in June.

Providing information to parents / carers 

Very often a positive experience of transition includes parents being provided with online information and in particular information that is up to date on the following school procedures such as:

• Safety

• School timings - daily routine 

• Homework

• Uniform 

• UpayChilli (Cashless payment system) 

We are hoping to meet with you all in person before September but this will depend on government advice/guidance. Should this not be possible, we'll make sure we introduce ourselves so you know who is who, probably by making a video for you!

Next Steps

• Ensure that you have applied for a place at RCCS through the Local Authority.

• Sign up to RCCS via social media to keep up to date with school events / information sharing.

• Remain CALM  

Carry on with positive daily routines.

Ask questions if you have any concerns.

Learn more about the school through our social media platforms.

Make the most of the current situation, stay home and stay safe. 

All of us at RCCS cannot wait to meet you and help you settle into your new journey.

Mrs L Coles

Assistant Headteacher

ColesL25@Hwbcymru.net 

ADMISSIONS

Please note text in italics indicates that we may be operating differently due to Covid restrictions.

I want my child to attend RCCS when they leave Primary. How do I apply?  All admissions for our school are managed by the Local Authority, Caerphilly County Borough Council. If you attend a Primary School in the borough you will receive information directly about options available to you, and you can apply using the forms provided, or on line at www.caerphilly.gov.uk If you live outside the area you can also apply by requesting the forms directly or through the website. You must ensure that CCBC receive your application by the closing date stated on the form, which is normally the end of the second week of December of the previous year. Late applications will be processed but you may find that the school is full and we may be unable to offer you a place.

What if I want my child to transfer during the year?  If you decide to change schools during an academic year you also need to apply through CCBC by requesting the appropriate form or using the online facility by following the link mentioned above, but you are advised to contact us to discuss the matter first.

Can I visit the school to help me decide?  Yes of course. You can ring to arrange a meeting with the Head Teacher and to have a tour of the school during the day. We recommend this. If your child is in Primary School you can also attend an Open Evening which we hold in early September.

How are the classes organised?  Academic groups are based on ability in Y8-11, but the tutor groups are mainly organised to allow people to be comfortable in friendship groups.

What about Induction?  Pupils in local Primaries will be familiar with the school thanks to our comprehensive transition programme. If you are from outside our area and decide in Y6 to join us we will make sure you are involved in this programme too.

And if my child joins mid year…?  We try to make this as smooth as possible, and we will meet with you to discuss any issues. In Y10/11 especially we need to meet to talk over the curriculum options. It helps us to have all the information from the previous school as quickly as possible too, so we can make the best arrangements for your child. We also pair up children with a “buddy” to make things easier.

How long does the process take?  Starting in Y7 is straightforward. Transfers during the school year can take up to 14 days although we try to reduce this as much as we can. Uniform can be sorted very quickly through our supplier, Macey Sports (see the separate information on our website.)