Transition to the High School

Information for P7 children and their parents and carers

Changing school is a significant event in a young person’s life and we understand that some children will have concerns and need reassurance.

Our transition programme has evolved over a number of years and, through the extensive range of activities on offer, we are confident we can provide a smooth and effective transition for your child to Arran High School.

Please note the following important transition events:

Transition day 1 @ Arran High School

One of the biggest differences between primary and secondary can be found in the
structure of the school day. At Arran High your child will experience seven individual
lessons led by different teachers throughout the day.

During this transition day, the focus will be on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and your child will continue to experience and enjoy a range of subjects taught by a variety of teachers within Arran High School.

Transition day 2 @ Arran High School

The focus of this day will be expressive arts and social subjects. Your child will also have the opportunity to take part in a musical activity, enter into a language competition and take part in some triathlon type activities which will provide an enjoyable introduction to Arran High School. Please ensure your child brings their PE kit with them.

Parental meeting @ Arran High School

In order to support your child’s transition to Arran High School and to share with yourselves some of the key information about managing the transition to high school and what a typical day/week looks like we would like to invite you to attend a parents meeting at the high school where you will have the opportunity to meet with key members of staff and hear more about the school.

Primary 7 induction days

This final three-day experience will allow your child the opportunity to follow three consecutive days of their new S1 timetable in Arran High School. Supported by their buddies your child will have the opportunity to mix with current S1 and S2 pupils as they find their feet in preparation for starting in August.

Arran Outdoor Centre residential

Splitting the group along their new class lines, the students will have the option to attend either Monday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Friday of the week.

These days of adventure activities are optional and is on offer to all P7 children from schools across Arran. The Arran Outdoor Centre offers a wide range of adventure activities and this provides an excellent opportunity for our young people to develop new friendships in preparation for their start at high school. The cost of this is £105 which includes all accommodation, food and activities costs.

Travel

In advance of each transition activity your child will be issued with a temporary bus pass which should be used to access the school buses. If you are unsure of the bus timetables or have any questions regarding transport arrangements please feel free to contact the High School office on 600341.

School buses leave promptly at the end of the day and you should explain to your child the importance of going straight to the school buses at the end of the day. We will be there to help ensure all get on the right bus.

Meals

During our transition events your child will not be allowed to leave Arran High School grounds; lunchtimes and intervals must be spent within the school building or playground.

Your child may choose either to eat in the school canteen or bring a packed lunch with them. A school ‘meal deal’ (main meal, desert and drink) costs £2.05 which should be paid directly to the canteen when your child purchases their lunch.

Please note that a range of snacks are available from the school canteen during interval –if you wish your child to purchase any snacks please ensure they have sufficient money with them. Those pupils in receipt of free school meals will receive a meal as usual.

School day

Finally, a reminder that the school day at Arran High School runs from 9:15am until 3:45pm.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding our transition programme please do not hesitate to get in touch.