Moving to KHS

At King Henry VIII we recognise how important it is that parents and pupils feel confident about making the move from primary school to comprehensive school. We currently have 12 primary feeder schools and we work closely with all these schools to ensure that pupils' transition to secondary school is a positive experience. Subject teachers from King Henry work closely with Year 6 pupils and teachers on curriculum projects to ensure that there is a consistency in both teaching strategies and assessment procedures. We also visit the pupils in their primary schools on a regular basis to ensure that they are given every opportunity to gain as much information as possible. In addition to this there are a variety of events which allow pupils and parents to visit the school throughout the year.

In the October of Year 6 every pupil in a King Henry VIII primary feeder school is given the opportunity to visit on a 'Taster Day'. Last year pupils worked alongside Science and Technology teachers and members of the University of Glamorgan on a Rocket and Kite Making day. During the day pupils learnt about the basic principles of flight and then designed and made their own rockets and kites. Parents and Year 6 pupils are then invited to our open evening where they are given the opportunity to tour the school and meet teaching staff and current pupils.

During the Summer term Year 6 pupils will work closely with a member of the teaching staff from King Henry and their own classroom teacher on a curriculum project. This year pupils have studied History, Art, Information Technology, RE and Maths. The focus of these projects is not just the topic but developing essential study skills which students will need when they transfer to secondary school. In June all Year 6 pupils who will be joining King Henry are invited for a second Taster Day. The focus of this day is pupils getting to know the school and other members of their year group. During the day pupils follow a treasure hunt around the school sampling different lessons and collecting clues to a team building activity which finishes the day. Parents and pupils are then invited to a Year 6 Induction Evening. During the evening pupils meet their form tutor, together with other members of their form. Parents are given information about starting secondary school and are also given the opportunity to meet key members of staff. There is also the opportunity to purchase school uniform and other equipment.

At KHS we want every pupil to make the best possible start to their secondary school career and we will continue to strive to develop and deliver a programme which allows this to happen.