Stepping up to WHS

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Welcome to the Year 6 Transition area. We have tried to provide you with lots of information about William Howard School and what it will be like when you join us in September. If you have any questions about the transition process or when you start, then please email Mrs Buckley (Transition Lead) – Email Mrs Buckley.

Mrs Buckley is the Transition Lead

Important Admissions Information

For September 2023 Admissions, it is important that parents complete the following form: Admissions Form (for Sept 2023)
There is also a form for all Year 6 pupils joining William Howard School to complete: Student Profile (Sept 2023)

The following links provide useful information:

If you live within the catchment area for WHS, all school transport queries should be directed to the Cumbria County Council School Transport Team. www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/schoolsandlearning/schooltransport.asp provides information on the Council’s transport policy and how to apply for it.

Out of Catchment places for September 2023 MUST be pre-booked by Friday, 26 May 2023. Please complete the form here: Out of Catchment Transport Applications (2023-24)

Visit our Subject Departments

To help you find out more about our broad and balanced curriculum and exciting learning opportunities, click here to view short videos that introduce each subject department and our dedicated team of staff. Here you can learn about some of the exciting things to look forward to in Year 7.

The Transition Curriculum

By working closely with the primary schools, together we identify students who we feel would benefit from the ‘Transition Curriculum’. The aim of the Transition Curriculum is to support students and accelerate progress to meet age-related expectations where possible. A high quality educational experience is offered to increase engagement, confidence and academic resilience. Click here to find out about the Transition Curriculum

Staff who look after Year 7

Mr Tidmarsh is the Director of Learning for Year 7 (2022-23) and Mrs Jones is the Student Manager for Year 7 (2022-23). They work together to provide support to the Year 7 students.

Ms Pigdon is the Head of School and Mrs O’Connor is the Assistant Headteacher with a Year 7 link.

Big school… big step… big questions…

These are the most commonly asked questions by Year 6 pupils. We know what a big step it is to move to your next school, so we hope this will help answer some of the questions that you might have about what it is like at William Howard School.

What will I wear?

When Harry Potter went to Hogwarts his uniform list was given as plain black robes and pointed hat; black winter cloak with silver fastenings. At William Howard ours is a lot more comfortable to wear! You will wear our school tie, blazer with a white shirt or blouse, black trousers or a school skirt, and plain black shoes.

You can find out more about the WHS school uniform and PE kit, including a price list here: Uniform Information page

Uniform can be bought from the Uniform Shop located in the main foyer. Open dates for the uniform shop will take place in July (to be confirmed).

Opening times during school term:

For students – daily at break & lunchtimes
For parents – Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4pm

Kit needed for PE:

Recommended for Boys	Recommended for Girls
Unisex PE Polo Shorts Socks Hoodie	Girl fit or Unisex PE Polo Skort, Shorts or WHS Leggings Socks Hoodie

All property should be clearly marked with your name.

What happens if I forget my PE kit?

Try to remember to pack your correct kit the night before. But if you do forget your kit, tell a member of staff and ask to borrow for the lesson. The kit for loan is washed after every use before being borrowed by students again.

Which classes will I be in?

When you start Year 7 you will attend most classes with your Form Group. Some subjects (English and Maths) will put you into groups to try and challenge you at the right level. You will also be in either 7X or 7Y – These are exactly the same and just a way of splitting the year group into two groups so that when 7X are in an English lesson then 7Y might be in PE lessons for example.

An example timetable and times of the school day:

How much homework will I have?

Don’t worry! You might find that you get more homework at secondary school than primary school, however it is all planned for you and you will know exactly what you are getting and how long it should take.

On your first day you will be given a school planner. Planners are designed to help you plan your work. There is a daily diary for you to make notes about homework, as well as lots of useful information on school life at WHS.

You can also install the Edulink App on your phone, which will help you keep track of the homework you are given. In addition, the app gives you access to essential information such as your achievement and House points; attendance; and behaviour data.

What is the House System?

All students (and staff) have a House Team – Acacia, Baobab, Mpingo or Ndizi (named after African trees through WHS’s Tanzanian Link). Through your time at William Howard, you can earn House Points in lessons and at events such as the WHS Bake Off, Sports Day or the recent Easter Egg Competition. Find out more about the House System here.

What equipment will I need?

You’ll find it useful to have these items in your pencil case:

- - Pen
  - Pencil
  - Ruler
  - Eraser
  - Pencil sharpener
  - Compass
  - Protractor
  - Colour pencils
  - Calculator
  - Glue stick

Will I know anyone?

There will be over 200 other students joining the school at the same time as you. You will be in a new class, some students you will be friends with or know from the school that you are in now, others will be from different schools – but don’t worry as these students will be in the same position as they won’t know you either!

Your Form Tutor will help you quickly get to know other students and make new friends.

What can I do during break times?

Football, tennis, music and drama activities, student forums… life at William Howard certainly isn’t boring! There are a wide variety of clubs and activities that you will be welcome to join. We offer lots of lunchtime and after school activities to enrich your experience at William Howard and try to cater for as many different interests as possible. You don’t need an invitation or letter to join in – if you want to try something out, just turn up at the right place at right time. Clubs are a great way to meet new friends who like the same things as you.

Year 7 and Year 8 share a common room, where you can hang out with your friends. You can eat in the common room or the canteen.

If you want some quiet time you can visit the Library to finish homework or choose a book to read.

What will I eat?

Before you take your GCSEs you will have eaten 950 school meals! If you had a sausage every day this would mean that you had eaten nearly 100 metres of sausages! So, it’s a good job that you will have a wide choice of food to choose from: pasta, curry, pizza, salads, jacket potatoes, sandwiches, baguettes, vegetarian…

You can eat in the main canteen or salad bar, from a special pantry in the Year 7&8 Common Room, or bring your own packed lunch. View more information about lunchtime arrangements here.

What if I get lost?

One of the biggest fears of new students is getting lost at WHS. It is a big school but staff and older students are always about to help you find your way should you find if difficult to get from one place to another.