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You are bound to have lots of questions when starting a new school. We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions, with some answers from our Year 7 students. We will update these over the next couple of months.
Finding your way around school.
Finding your way around school.
At the start of term you will be given your timetable and your very own map. You will also have some time with your form tutor who will take you on a tour of the school. If you are not sure which way to go, there are staff and students on hand to help you.
Lily says
Do not panic about getting lost. There are lots of teachers on hand to ask for help if you need it. They will guide you to your class. In the first 2 weeks especially, everyone is very understanding and you will not get into trouble. It is all new and many older students will help you too.
Jacob says
If you think you are lost you should ask a teacher where your classroom is. Also your tutor will give you a map which will help you feel more confident in getting around.
Shelby says:
Everyone really understands that you are getting used to a new building. In the first two weeks you would not be told off if you take a little longer to get around. Sometimes an older student or a teacher will help take you to your lesson. Just remember the teachers are someone to talk to and they will help you.
Making friends.
Making friends.
Most students will already know at least one or two people in their tutor group. We work closely with your primary teachers to ensure we help students to make new friends. If you are the only person coming from your primary school - do not worry! There are others doing the same as you. It is so exciting meeting new people. Your teachers will help you with this.
Izzy says:
When I started in Year 7 I wondered about making friends too. Your tutor will organise some fun activities which will help you to make friends in the first few days. Even if it does feel a little strange at first, I assure you, you'll fit right in.
Lily says:
You will definitely make friends. Remember that everybody is in the same situation. You see your tutor group in the same classroom every morning and this helps to meet new people.
Khia says:
You will make friends. You will meet people in many different classes and you will have fun.
What is the homework like?
What is the homework like?
At SBL we arrange for you to complete home study. This is study which is completed outside of lessons. Students can use the school library every day after school to complete home study if they wish. There is a teacher on hand to help with basic questions, and there are computers and a printer for you to use if you want to use them.
Lily says:
We do get more homework than in year 6 but don't worry as it will always be in line with a time table . You are given no more than 2 pieces a day each lasting about half an hour. If you have any trouble completing the homework just go and ask your class teacher about it and they will help you.
Ellie says:
You will get a certain amount every week and your teachers would set the due dates for you. There is always plenty of time to complete the home study if you don't leave it until the last minute!
Mollie says:
You usually get 2 pieces of home study each day. It is a good idea to do the home study on the day that it is set. That way you remember things better and it doesn't build up. Also, if you need to ask for help you have time to ask your teacher before the next lesson.
Is the work more difficult than at Primary School?
Is the work more difficult than at Primary School?
We work with your primary school teachers to make sure that we build on the work you have done in Year 6. Some students may be wondering what is going to happen because we have had a period of remote learning this year. We want you to try not to worry about this. We are planning different ways of helping everyone to feel they can 'catch up' and complete Year 7 with success!
Lily says:
Your teachers will want to challenge you and make you think hard! This is how we learn. But they won't give you a piece of work that they know you can't do. You might need to try really hard, and ask for help if you need it. But I assure you, you can do well.
How will I know what rules to follow?
How will I know what rules to follow?
We understand that it can be hard joining a new school and getting to grips with everything. Children will be joining us this year from a variety of schools. We keep things really simple at SBL. Your tutor will go through things with you at the start of the year and we use some 'settling in' time to help show students what to do. In our experience, students settle in really quickly.
Lewis says:
As long as you listen to the teacher and follow their advice you will be fine. If you're not sure what to do then just ask. I have found that the clear rules make it really easy for me to work.
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