Year 7 Welcome
We are very pleased to welcome you into the Weatherhead High School community. To support you through the transition from primary to secondary school, we have put together lots of valuable information about what to expect in September. We look forward to meeting you at one of our transition events, in the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.
Dates for your diary
Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 August
Summer School. Click here to sign up to summer school.
Tuesday 3 September
First day of school (Year 7 only).
Registering for Free School Meals
You can register directly online at www.cloudforedu.org.
Top Tips for Students, Parents and Carers
We have put together some top tips to help you prepare for the transition into secondary school in September.
Top Tips for Life as a Weatherhead Student
- Get to know a few people from your primary school who are also coming to Weatherhead. They may not turn out to be your new BFFs, but knowing a face in the crowd is a good feeling.
- Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, switch off any electronic devices and get up on time.
- Always eat some breakfast – it’s a long time until lunch!
- Work out your route to school, whether you’re walking or taking public transport. Practise until you’re confident and time yourself. If you can, find a friend to travel with on your first day.
- Buy a strong bag. You will have lots to carry like books, PE kit and Food Tech ingredients and only bring what you need in your bag rather than everything.
- You will get a locker so you won’t have to carry your coat and PE kit around with you all day.
- Work out what you will be doing for lunch. Are you going to use the canteen and buy your lunch or bring a packed lunch?
- When you are given your timetable, make a copy!
- Get your new friends’ phone numbers.
- Be organised.
- Go through your timetable and pack your bag the night before – there’s never time in the morning to find your books.
- Find the LRC (library). It’s a great place to go if you want to read, relax or do your homework.
- Never be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure where to go.
- At lesson changeover, stick with someone who knows where they’re going.
- Embrace your independence. You can arrange a time to meet your new school friends each morning and walk to school together. Sign up to take part in an after school club or activity and you’ll make friends with people that love the same things as you.
Top Tips for Parents/Carers for a Successful Transition to Weatherhead
- Prepare them over the Summer holidays.
- Work out and practise the route to school in advance, particularly if it involves public transport or a new route to walk.
- Increase your child’s independence with practical experiences such as popping out to the shops.
- Make sure they know what uniform, PE kit and equipment they need then name everything.
- Talk to them about what is going to happen. Go through the Welcome Guide and look at other relevant information on the website.
- Help them to find out about the layout of the school, and learn where classrooms are (and the toilets!) using the school website.
- Remind them never to be afraid to ask for help from their Form Tutor, Pastoral and Academic Support Worker or Year Leader if they’re concerned about anything.
- Encourage them to make a good first impression with their presentation, behaviour and organisation.
- Remind them to make the most of all the new opportunities and take the chance to try out new clubs and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that Year 6 students ask about coming to Weatherhead. We hope you find the answers useful.
What clubs can I join?
We run lots of lunchtime and after school clubs. At the start of each term we will share a new timetable with you. You will have lots to choose from. Click here to see the clubs for our current Year 7 students.
What do I do if I get lost?
Don’t worry about getting lost because staff and students are available to help you. When you leave your form room to go to your lessons you will be with your class and you can help each other. We will also provide you with a map of the school. Click here to view the map.
Will I make any new friends?
Moving on up to Weatherhead is a great opportunity to meet and make new friends. You will meet new students in your form groups, in clubs you join, as well as those in your lessons.
Will I know anyone in my class?
You might know some of the students if you have joined from the same primary school, and you will make new friendships with students you meet in your form tutor group.
Where can I store my coat, PE kit and books?
You will have a locker allocated to you and you can store your belongings such as your PE kit here. You will be able to visit your locker before and after school, during break times and lunchtimes.
Will teachers shout at me for being late if I cannot find the classroom?
We all know that it will take you a few weeks to find your way. You will be given a tour of the school and a map to help you. Staff and students will help you find your way too. Remember, at one time we were all new to Weatherhead!
What if I don't understand the work?
This is a very common worry for students that transition from primary to secondary school. At Weatherhead, the teachers will be happy to explain something to you again.
What if I lose something?
Lost property is handed in at reception and you can check with them at break, lunchtime and after school. Don’t forget to write your name on your belongings, including your school uniform and PE kit.
I am worried about being bullied at secondary school. What advice can you give me?
We believe in being kind to everyone in our Weatherhead community. We have student Anti-Bullying Ambassadors who will be there to support you by delivering assemblies and offering other lunchtime drop ins. Our activities include anti-bullying which has earned us two prestigious awards from the Diana Award for Wellbeing and our community work. You can also talk to your Form Tutor, Pastoral and Academic Support Worker and your Year Leader.
Who can I speak to if I am worried or if I have any questions?
You can see your Form Tutor, Pastoral and Academic Support Worker or Year Leader as your first port of call for any worries you might have. They will be available every day at break and lunchtimes.
How will I know what lessons to go to?
At the start of the school year you will be given your own timetable which tells you where you need to go each day and at what time.
What is the school uniform?
Our school uniform includes a navy blazer, white short-sleeved revere collar blouse and navy blue skirt/trousers. Visit our uniform page for details.
How will I travel to school?
Depending on where you start your journey, and the distance you need to travel, there are lots of ways you can get to and from school including walking, cycling and public transport. To help plan your journey visit our ‘Transport Links‘ web page.
What can I eat for lunch?
Students are welcome to bring a packed lunch or they can purchase a meal from the school canteen. Our canteen is operated by Chartwells. Visit our school meals page for the latest menus.
What can I do to prepare?
Year 6 students, here is some extra information to help you prepare for September.
Picture Worksheet
School Map
Life at Weatherhead
