HSFG year 7 induction

[Chelt-mum]

Considering High School for Girls and wondering what happens to help year 7 girls settle in/get to know other girls, DD doesn't know anyone else who may go there.

Does anyone know if there are any activities before they start and do they go on any trips, I think Ribston do an activity week in first couple months.

[daisydoo]

DD and I went for a look round today and the helpful sixth former said they sometimes go to croft farm for an activity day or South Cerney:)

[chatternatter]

Hi Chelt mum

Just wanted to let you no that they do a taster day, a full day at the school prior to september where they are put in there form groups.
My daughter missed this but did have two other girls from her school going with her so did have a comfort blanket so to speak.
What i really want to say is that with in a few days my daughter had made a wide range of friends and has settled really well, they do a trip to croft farm as an icebreaker and they are mixed and sat with different people in each lesson, this really encourages them to break out of their comfort zone.

My daughter is loving HSFG and is really pleased that she went the extra mile to get there.

Good luck to your dd xx

[capers123]

Stroud High are brilliant on the Y6 / Y7 move. Visit to school from senior staff member, Stroud Chicks web site so they can talk to the other girls moving up and current Y7's. Fun induction day, another open evening. Then once term starts, there are several open evenings for parents: two weeks ago was daughters showing parents their classrooms, last week was meeting with class tutor & child, rather like a primary school parents evening. The latter is something they're trying for the first time, rather than having a normal parents evening where all the teachers get to talk about children they've only had for a few lessons.

This week is Rag week, and there's a 'fête' today with each class running a stall. That meant DD2 made 24 portions of Chocolate Crunch (with extra added choc chips) last night. My OH wanted a portion of pink custard to go with it, 'cause that's what was served at school back in the 19x0's.

I strongly suspect that the other grammars are also brilliant with moving on.

[Amber]

I strongly suspect that the other grammars are also brilliant with moving on.

As are most non-grammars. I think most teachers are aware that it is a big move, even those of us who work in 'ordinary' schools.

[capers123]

I strongly suspect that the other grammars are also brilliant with moving on.

As are most non-grammars. I think most teachers are aware that it is a big move, even those of us who work in 'ordinary' schools.

I wasn't trying to suggest that non-grammars were not brilliant - it's just that I only have experience as a parent of Stroud High.

I'd hesitate to call any of the schools round here 'ordinary'. They're all special in their own way.

[Amber]

I'd hesitate to call any of the schools round here 'ordinary'. They're all special in their own way.

Oh indeed. One of the ones I work in has a history of being very 'special' - just ask OFSTED.

[Milla]

I think that the thing about moving up to grammar, rather than anyone reading a slur into other schools, is that the "catchment" is from 70, 80, 90 primary schools so the comfort blanket of moving up with a large and familiar cohort which is generally there when a child goes to a comprehensive is not there. So more of an effort is generally made by the schools to settle children, many of whom will not have a familiar face at all, let alone a cluster of good friends.

[yoohoo1234]

Hi Chelt-mum. just to add to the induction part of the thread. my daughter is current year 7 at hsfg.
They had a taster day in July (as all schools do) where they were put into their form groups to meet other class mates. Prior to this staff from hsfg visited them at their primary school (as other schools also appeared to do) and they were given a letter from a buddy chosen for them. The buddy was a girl from the then year 7. My daughter then got to meet her buddy on the taster day who gave her a little gift (choccie bar) but most importantly an email address where she could contact her over the summer if she had any questions. This went down very well with my DD. On the taster day they experienced some example lessons which my DD said were great fun. The day was 8.30 ish- 3ish as i remember it???
A parents evening was also held before the taster day and we were given a big pack of info felt to be useful which was nice. Food and entertainment was laid on made up of activities available at the school...oh and a v useful second hand uniform sale
All in all my DD was able to spend the summer both relaxed and excited about the big move.

[Chelt-mum]

Thanks for your replies, really helped reduce my worries. forms submitted with HSFG 1st choice, roll on March