I had the pleasure of participating in a busy Monkwearmouth Open Evening last night, followed by a meeting with the Y7s who made the transition there from Seaburn Dene this morning. Here are their advice/thoughts.

Transition from Year 6 to Year 7 at Monkwearmouth Academy – A Child's Perspective

Starting Year 7 at Monkwearmouth Academy is an exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking experience for many children. Some feel really excited about the change, while others are nervous, and some feel a little in the middle. It’s a big step, and there are lots of new things to get used to!

Main Worries:
One of the most common worries is getting lost in a much bigger school and working out where all the different classrooms are. Some also worry about the amount of homework—it seems like there’s a lot more than in primary school or that it would all come on one day - but it doesn’t.

Who Helped:
Luckily, there’s a lot of support during the transition. Teachers are really helpful, guiding everyone around the school and answering questions. Parents are also supportive, and friends are always there to share the journey, so it doesn’t feel so scary.

Things They Like:
There are also lots of things children love about moving to Monkwearmouth Academy. One of the best parts is being able to buy flavoured water and have breakfasts (bacon sandwiches, waffles, cheese twists and fruit.) The vast majority of children are on the school dinners, which they say are really tasty. Then there are exciting new subjects like Forensic Reading, the Curriculum for Life, and Enrichment, which give them the chance to try new things and develop different skills. They also love getting involved in new sports (parkour, badminton to name but two) and enjoying all the opportunities the school offers.

The Main Differences:
Of course, there are some big differences too. One of the things to get used to is signing in and out in your planner if you need to use the toilet. Breaktimes are a little different from primary school, and lunch is a bit shorter, but there’s still enough time to eat and have a chat with friends.

Their Advice:
For anyone feeling unsure, Year 7 students say, “Show determination.” Even if it feels challenging at first, things get easier. They also say it’s surprisingly easy to make new friends, so don’t worry about that. Lastly, enjoy your last bit of time at primary school—it goes quickly, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying all the exciting things that come with Year 7.
Finally, the Y7s asked about our staff, what new things have been added onto OPAL and who was in each class. We hope to welcome them back soon.