WELCOME TO YEAR 7
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 7 and to Parkstone Grammar School. We are very excited by the prospect of working with you and helping you to enjoy all of the learning opportunities that are available to you so that you are happy and successful in all that you do. In Year 7 one of our priorities is to ensure that you settle into school as quickly as possible and cope well with the transition from your previous school.
Your Form Tutor will be the most important person to you. You will have daily contact with your Form Tutor and he/she will be the member of staff who will probably get to know you best. Moving to a new school can be exciting but there may be some aspects of this change that can take some getting used to. It is important that you speak to your Form Tutor about any concerns or queries that you have as you settle into Parkstone, they will know how to help if you need it.
Try to be organised in the way that you approach your studies. Forward planning is essential. You will need to make sure that you have the correct books and materials with you for each lesson. Your teachers should tell you what they expect you to bring to each of their lessons, but if you are not sure, please ask.
You will probably get more homework than in your previous school. You will need to ensure that you always record homework in your planner, including the deadlines set. Check your planner each evening when you get home and prioritise the tasks set so that you do not miss any deadlines. If you are unsure of how to do a particular piece of homework, ask your teacher for some assistance – before the deadline!
We are determined to help you enjoy all aspects of your new school. There will be many clubs and activities taking place at lunchtimes and after school. Come along and try out something new – seize every opportunity you can. It is an ideal way to meet new friends and to get the most out of your first year at Parkstone.
Finally, we are certain you will enjoy your first year in your new school. Don’t forget to ask if there is anything you are unsure of. You will find everyone is really helpful.
Miss Willis
WELCOME TO YEAR 8
Dear Student
Welcome to Year 8. This is a really exciting year for you as this is the first time that you will get the opportunity to make choices about your future studies.
You will need to give careful consideration to which subjects you enjoy the best and where your strengths lie. Your teachers will be able to help you with this; so don’t forget to ask them how they feel you are getting on in your studies. It is essential to work your very best in all subjects so that you get a true indication of your strengths.
During the Spring Term, you will be asked to make your GCSE choices. You will have had many opportunities to discuss the options open to you beforehand and to listen to the advice of others. However, it is important that the final decision is yours. You should pick the GCSEs that you feel you will enjoy the most and that will enable you to follow any career aspirations that you may have. Don’t be tempted to choose the GCSEs that your friends think you should study.
Most students are able to study their first choice of subjects. However, if this is not possible we will let you know as soon as we are able to. If you are concerned that you have made the wrong GCSE choices, speak to me as soon as possible. It may not be too late to change your mind if you are lucky. Unfortunately we can’t make any promises.
Good attendance throughout the year is essential as it is often difficult to understand work that you have been absent for and this may affect your progress. Many subjects start teaching work that is essential for GCSE.
Finally, make sure that you enjoy Year 8. It is an interesting year with important but exciting decisions to be made.
Miss Willis