New beginnings

Year 6 students get a taste of life at Claremont High School 

Starting at a new school can be a daunting experience, especially when it marks the transition from primary to secondary school, which is why Claremont organises ‘Taster Days’ for prospective students towards the end of the Summer Term. Over two days in late June, Year 6 pupils from local schools, who will be starting at Claremont in September, come to experience all that ‘big school’ has to offer. 

This includes fun lessons across all subjects, meeting fellow students and eating in the school’s canteen, Monty’s. 

‘I learnt about the school's values (Aspiration, Perseverance, Excellence, Enjoyment and Respect) and routines, including rewards and sanctions, and about my new planner and which college I’ll be in,’ explains Aleeka from Preston Park Primary School. ‘I enjoyed conducting a chemistry experiment, where we added activators to a liquid which made it change colour. We then assessed whether it was an alkali or acid.’  

Overall, she thinks the experience helped her prepare for life at her new school. ‘I’m feeling more comfortable as the teachers are really friendly, and I’m also more relaxed as I know my way around and how the timetable will work. I’ve already made some new friends, which has made me more excited to start in September.’ 

Sebastian, also from Preston Park, agrees. ‘I feel very excited about joining Claremont as it was a lot of fun. The food was great and I made new friends in my form group and classes and now I cannot wait to join. I also got to experience lessons you don’t get at primary school, such as chemistry, and I felt more independent.’ 

‘During the Taster Day I learnt that even if none of your old friends are with you, this gives you an opportunity to start afresh,’ explains Palomi from Uxendon Manor Primary School. ‘I am feeling quite nervous, but also excited because there are so many opportunities I get to experience once I’m at Claremont.’ 

‘I most enjoyed meeting my new classmates and chemistry,’ says Zayn, also from Uxendon Manor. ‘Now that I’ve gone through these Taster Days, I’m excited to start at Claremont High School.’ 

This is the whole point of the Taster Days, as Assistant Headteacher, Ms Woolford, who leads the days at Claremont, explains: ‘The Year 6 Taster Days are a key part of our transition programme because they give students the chance to experience what life at Claremont is really like. From taking part in engaging lessons to making new friendships and getting to know the staff who will support them, the days are designed to help students feel confident and comfortable in their new surroundings. I hope every child leaves with a sense of excitement about the opportunities ahead, knowing that they are joining the Claremont community where they can thrive from their very first day and reach their full potential.’