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, 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 adjust to with the move from your previous school.
Your Form Tutor will be the most important person to you. You will have daily contact with them and they will be the member of staff who will probably get to know you best. Moving to a new school is exciting but there may be some aspects of this change that 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 to make sure that you have the correct books and materials with you for each lesson. Your teachers should tell you what you need to bring to each of their lessons, but if you are not sure, please ask.
You may get more homework than in your previous school once you are settled in. You will need to ensure that you always record your homework in your planner, including the deadlines. Check your planner each evening when you get home and prioritise the tasks so that you do not miss any of these deadlines. If you are unsure of how to do a particular piece of homework, ask your teacher for some assistance – before the deadline!
We want you to be able to enjoy all aspects of life at Parkstone. 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 with us at Parkstone. Don’t forget to ask if there is anything you are unsure of. You will find everyone is really helpful.
MR SCOPES
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 do 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 chosen the wrong options, speak to your Head of Year as soon as possible. It may not be too late to change your mind but, unfortunately we can’t make any promises about what subjects will be available.
Good attendance throughout the year is essential as it is often difficult to understand work that you have been absent for and may affect your progress. Many subjects will start teaching work that builds into your GCSE course.
Continue to take advantage of all the clubs, societies and other opportunities that we make available. Why not try something new to meet more people or extend your interests into different areas.
Finally, make sure that you enjoy Year 8. It is an interesting year with important but exciting decisions to be made.
MR SCOPES
