Summer School 2021

Posted at 9:58 am on 15th September, 2021

Top Quality Transition Event for Wellacre Students

In the last week of July, after we had bid farewell to Wellacre students for a well-deserved summer break, we welcomed new Year 7 students to a dedicated and packed Summer School programme. 

Wellacre’s Summer School is a specially-designed week-long event, which provides new students with an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities and experiences, to socialise and build new friendships with peers and staff, and to familiarise themselves with the school surroundings.

Mr Whitehead, Pankhurst Head of House/Teacher of PE, said:

“Our main aim with Summer School is to ease the transition worries of both parents and students, and to help build students’ confidence and ensure they experience a smooth and positive start to their Wellacre journey.”

The week’s activities for the 100 new students enrolled began with staff meet-and-greets, a tour of the school grounds and a transition workshop to talk about making friends, managing emotions and setting personal goals.  

The timetable also included curriculum taster sessions, including studying World War 1 artefacts in history and carrying out horticultural Science work in the Eco Centre. 

PE and team building exercises ensured students enjoyed some high energy activities including teams navigating an obstacle course blindfolded, and experiencing some brand new games such as, tchoukball, boccia ball and goalball.

 

Students also took part in diverse extra-curricular activities including drama with the Lowry theatre, Japanese culture, boxing, mindfulness, breakdancing and samba music sessions.

Mr Whitehead added:

“All our new students were really enthusiastic about joining Wellacre’s Summer School and were really open to the brand new experience of high school life. 

“We presented a wealth of awards throughout the week for hard work, effort and positive contributions. We truly believe Summer School gives all our students confidence, a sense of belonging and new friendships for September.”

On the final day, students represented their new Houses - either Lowry, Turing or Pankhurst - in a competition comprising handball and a quiz.  Pankhurst and Turning were victorious and jointly claimed first prize. 

Parent/carer and student feedback about the impact of Summer School was overwhelmingly positive:

• The majority of parent/carers and students described the week at Summer School as ‘excellent’

• The majority of parent/carers said that Summer School helped their son to feel more confident about starting and helped their son make friends 

• The majority of parent/carers said Summer School has supported their son in learning to be more independent

One Wellacre parent said: 

“It has been a great time for my son to think about his strengths and interests ready for school.” 

Another added: 

“Thank you so much. It's just been beyond expectations.  You know what makes the boys tick and how to engage them.” 

Year 7 Noah said:

“I was nervous at the start of Summer School, however, I feel that trying Summer School for a week is great to adjust your confidence as now I am 100% confident and looking forward to September.”

Another parent added: 

“It has helped my son so much and he is more confident for September.  I think it’s a brilliant idea to have the summer school as it gives them an insight of senior school life.”

Mrs Sharrock, Principal, commented: 

“I really enjoyed meeting many of our new students for Summer School, and many of their parents and carers at ‘drop-off times’. The students approached every activity with a positive mindset and by the end of the week existing friendships were strengthened and many new friendships formed. The boys met lots of our staff and left feeling excited and reassured about the transition to Wellacre.” 

* Summer School Spending 2021