As celebration assembly came to a close, the music started and Mr Ribeiro dismissed the Year 6 children from the hall.
His words were simple: “For nearly the last time, show us how sensibly we should return to class.” I happened to be seated next to some of the children I taught last year, in Year 6 now, they’re preparing for the next stage of their journey – heading to the Senior School. The nostalgic part of me doesn’t want them to leave Clock House. But they’re ready, they are really ready. And when I put my logical brain on, I know I’ll see them all the time and this is the right step for them.
Only a few weeks ago, I bumped into Will, now in Year 11, who I taught at the end of his Clock House journey. We stopped for a few moments to say hello and as I asked him how he was, he told me, “Miss, I’m about to do my Spanish oral exam and I’m a bit nervous.” The conversation continued, I wished him luck and when I saw him the next day, he excitedly told me that it had gone well. This is where we’re particularly fortunate at Clock House. The pupils are taking the next step but they’re not leaving, not really. They’re going to the Senior School: the place where they have lunch every day, where they will continue to use the same sports facilities, DT labs, science labs and library. Many of the staff are known to them and we will see them regularly. It’s such a gradual transition.
Behind the scenes, the close partnership between the two parts of the School means that Mrs Tomlinson, Head of Year 7, the heads of English, maths, learning support and form teachers are briefed on each individual child’s needs even before their allocated transition day, ready to support them as soon as they step over the threshold. Mrs Tomlinson has also taken significant time to get to know the parents and children, including welcome meetings, assemblies and enjoying the spectacular Year 6 play.
Lower down the school, transition is carefully considered too. Recently, we welcomed almost 50 new children for an afternoon with current children and their new form teachers, including Mrs Zincke and Mr Thornton, who join the School in September. They were also joined by Mrs Jones, our Head of Junior School Sport, and her team to enjoy sessions aimed at building relationships and trust. Many of our current pupils have proudly stepped forward to act as buddies and are preparing welcome post cards to land on the doorsteps of new pupils over the holidays (but shh – it’s all a surprise).
Our small family environment and mix of specialist teaching, combined with form teachers overseeing pastoral care, means that many of the children already know their new form teachers, the seeds of positive relationships previously sown are strengthening ready to blossom in the new academic year.
This year, we also add a new welcome event aimed at our youngest pupils. The Year 2 children will come to school a day before the older children, giving them an opportunity to acclimatise and learn routines in a quiet environment and enjoy one of Mr Winter’s yummy lunches of course.
As teachers at this end of the academic year, we’re at a very special point. We have grown to know each child in our care and are preparing for them to spread their wings. It’s bittersweet but a sign that you’ve taught them well that they’re so ready to move on; the children are so full of ‘Hoc Age’ spirit to meet the next opportunity with determination and optimism, we’ve planted strong roots and its time for them to grow and flourish.
“It’s bittersweet but a sign that you’ve taught them well that they’re so ready to move on…”
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