USEFUL links
Subscribe to the School Newsletter
Stay in touch by subscribing to our email newsletter featuring news and information for students.
year 7 transition 2009-2010
During the first few months of the new school year, our Year 7 pupils have been asked to write accounts of what moving to secondary school has been like. They have been asked what they thought on moving to a much larger school; the new subjects that they take; what they like about the school; new friends they have made and their general feelings on how their transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 pupils has been.
This page will be continually updated during September and October as pupils complete their transition accounts.
PUPIL TRANSITION ACCOUNTS
When I first started at Robert Clack School I was scared. I was scared that I would get lost and nobody would help me- but it was all so different! Everyone was considerate in every way. Along the way I met new friends who I liked.
Being the first child in my family to start at Robert Clack is very important as it gives my family an opportunity to get ready for when they start secondary school.
At Robert Clack you can join any club you wish and give you a fresh start.
I do hope that you enjoy your time at Robert Clack School and do the best you can. As we say, 'for the brave, nothing is difficult.'
KEISHA VINDA
FORM 7EV
My name is Stephen Ennin and I used to go to Thomas Arnold Primary School. A month after I sat my mock SATs at primary school, I received a letter saying that I had gained a place at Robert Clack SChool. I was so delighted that I told everyone the news. During the summer holidays I was very much looking forward to starting at my new school- although I was a little bit scared as well. However, after just one week at Robert Clack I had made loads of new friends and was enjoying my time at my new school. STEPHEN ENNIN FORM 7NS |
At first I was a bit nervous about starting in secondary school because of all the hard work that we were going to do but after my first lesson I felt a lot more confident.
When I left primary school I felt sad as I was going to miss my friends but after just 2 weeks I have made many new friends.
GAVIN AGYAPONG
FORM 7KD
Starting secondary school was great and I love it. Robert Clack is a top performing school and I believe that this school is really brilliant. The food is great and so are the lessons. I haev started some lessons that I have never studied before such as:
Apart from these new lessons we do all of the following:
Robert Clack has a wide variety of lessons and I love them all. Since I came to Robert Clack I have made new friends and learn so many new things. I have also set some targets for myself during my first two weeks at the school:
RACHAEL SHODIJO FORM: VP |
Moving from Primary School to Secondary School: There are many questions to ask about it: Is it scary. Is it fun? There are many answers. In Primary School you get used to staying in one class for every subject, having one teacher, but in Secondary School it’s a whole new story; moving to every class, having lots of teachers and going to different rooms. It was scary moving into Secondary School because in Primary School you were the top year group, then, when you get to Secondary School you are at the bottom again. My experience of moving to Secondary School was fun because now I feel more independent and I really like that. Secondary School is about you growing up…. Secondary School is really exciting, that’s coming from my experience of 2 weeks at Robert Clack.
CHANTELL ADUAKA
7PV
While coming to the end of primary school, I did have quite a lot of thoughts about what it was going to be like. I was thinking how I’d miss everyone and if I was going to make any new friends at all in Robert Clack. I was going to miss my friends for sure and the staff at my school (Hunters Hall Primary) I felt nervous at times thinking if I’d fit into the school and if I’d like the other pupils and teachers. However, although I felt nervous, I was excited about going to Robert Clack and experiencing a whole lot of new things like opportunities to join clubs and new lessons that we’d be learning about. Furthermore, there are also a lot of fun school trips throughout the year. Then, when the day for school begins even though it’s only a practise day to get used to it, I was very nervous but also ecstatic. I met my form teacher for the day who was very nice, and after registration my day began. I did my first lesson (maths) and found enjoyable. After that, I did games and it was really fun even though I had to run 600 metres which really tired me out. All in all, it was a great day and I’m really excited about coming to Robert Clack. SAMEEM NAZARI 7FG |
My first two weeks at Robert Clack have been exhilarating as it took time to get used to the differences from my Primary School. The first weeks have also been good because I have met new people and made new friends.
I feel that the first day was the scariest but as the week went on my friends and I relaxed in to our new environment. When my first week ended I wanted to skip the weekend because school was really good.
KELLY QUIRKE
7PV
It wasn’t easy going up on that first day from being the oldest to the youngest. If you wanted to make friends it would be so easy because everybody wants to make friends. Everyone is in the same position as you are when it comes to finding your way around school. One of my favourite school activities is sport. There is a wide range of sports you can do, however, my favourite is rugby. All of the sport teachers were helpful and nice to me. Another great thing about this school is teachers and helpers. If you get lost they will always help you. In my first two weeks at school I’m really enjoying it. I also think this school is brilliant. ROBERT WOODGATE 7PV
|
Moving from Primary School to Secondary School was a challenge. I changed from a place I knew to somewhere I never knew much about. But I knew I had to do this. I was worried about the change but when I walked into Robert Clack I never panicked. I knew I was in one of the best schools in the country. Once I met all the teachers and the other Year 7 pupils I felt more relaxed. I am really enjoying Robert Clack School.
BRENDON NEWTON
7FG
Going to Robert Clack School has been a great opportunity to get all A’s in my GCSE’s. It is completely different to junior school because of having different classes and teachers for every subject. Having French lessons is a good idea as well because French is a beautiful language to know. When I found out I had gained a place in Robert Clack School, I was really excited and happy!
ELLIE BESS TAYLOR 7FG
|
My first day at Robert Clack was amazing with all the different subject and teachers. It was such a big change moving from a small Primary School into such a big Secondary School. I got lost a couple of times but I have finally found my way round the school. I enjoyed all the different subjects being taught and Robert Clack School has proved to be the right choice.
TAJU DEEN
7AD
I have found my experience moving from my primary school to here great. We did not have as many subjects as this in my primary school. I like everything about this school. This is a dream come true to get onto this school: Robert Clack. I think I am doing really well.. My best subjects are Maths, PE, RE, Clubs, English, French, Science and History. BILLY MARTIN 7AD
|
When I entered this big school I was a bit nervous but after the first few weeks I realised there is nothing to worry about. I feel more confident, Secondary School is a big step. I like this school. I’ve learnt more. I can’t wait to enjoy more activities.
I’ve made more friends and have caught up with my other friends. I think this school is a great opportunity for everyone, now I can learn more and just keep on going.
I know I’m going to get a good education here and want to learn things I haven’t known before this, Robert Clack School will keep going up. Thank you for reading my paper.
MITCHELL ATTFIELD
7AD
When I found out I was going to Robert Clack me and my mum were so pleased we had a party! When more and more weeks went past I got more scared. I was worried about the size of the school and scared if I didn’t make any friends. I had quite a lot of friends coming with me but I was still a bit nervous. My mum took me out to buy my school uniform. But that made me more scared because I was worried in case I had got the wrong stuff, or didn’t get all the right stuff. I kept trying the stuff on and making sure it looked alright. As days went by and the start day got closer, I started arranging stuff like who to walk to school with, where were we meeting and things like that. The next morning I woke up at 6.45 I got dressed, ate my breakfast and sat down and thought about the day to come. I walked to school with my friends and when we got there, I saw loads of other children! I was placed in my tutor class and introduced to our teacher who is Miss Davies. My first day was very busy but lots of fun. For the next couple of days I settled down for the lessons which were English, Maths, Science, Geography, Art, Technology, Food Tech, French, History, PE and RE. I enjoyed the rest of my time and realised there was nothing to worry about. Don’t be scared when starting a new school always think positive! LAUREN WAITES 7AD
|
Moving schools was in some ways scary as I thought I would get lost. However it wasn’t scary at all!. I settled in well and now I love Robert Clack School. It is a lovely school and I think I will get on well in Robert Clack. The teachers are very nice and polite. I think I am going to get on well in Robert Clack and want to have a great year. In Robert Clack I am going to learn a lot because the 2 weeks I have been at Robert Clack I have learnt a lot. Robert Clack is a very clean school and the dinners are lovely, I have never had such lovely food. The uniform is comfortable. Robert Clack is a great school and I hope I enjoy all my years in Robert Clack.
JORDAN KEMP
7AD
When I found out that I was starting Robert Clack School I was nervous as I thought I’d get lost and I didn’t know all of the children and teachers there, but I was excited at the same time. When Is started at the school, it was really good as all the teachers kept on asking us if we were enjoying our very first day. The next week, the first whole week at the school, was good and all the year 7’s found their way round to all the classes. During that week I learnt a lot of things and we did these subjects; French, English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Art, Technology, Food Technology, PE and they were fun and everyone learnt a lot. So when you start Robert Clack don’t be scared there’s nothing to worry about. ELLIE HEMMINGS 7AD |
The most life changing experience was when I changed school. I was going to go to Robert Clack. At first I was a bit scared because a lot of my friends at primary school were not going there. After a few days I began to get a lot more comfortable going there. I have made new friends in all of my classes. I enjoy my lessons as I learn a lot. The school is huge but you will get used to it quite easily.
There are lots of blocks and extra buildings on the site. One of the main blocks is the Learning Centre. You can read books, do your homework and you can take a book and get it stamped to take home. So far out of my time here I am really enjoying my time at the lower school. I wonder what it would be like at the upper school?
SABRINA CHAMBERS
7AD
My first day had finally arrived. Putting on my tie and the all important blazer! I had packed my bag, proud that I was going to one of the best schools in the country. Saying bye to my Mum made me feel sad but I soon got over it, walking proudly down the road representing Robert Clack. Eventually I got there recognising familiar faces feeling nervous but excited. The school seemed massive and scary. The teachers were nice and so was the food. After lunch we had our first two lessons, I was really nervous but they were enjoyable and I learnt a lot. Finally school ended- it had been a brilliant day! ROBYN BYRNE 7AD |
When I left Southwood Primary School it was a very sad time, and it was very nerve racking starting a whole new school 3 times the size of my Primary School. I really enjoyed my time at Southwood and I didn’t know what to expect at Robert Clack School. After being at the school now for two weeks, I love it! Although I was nervous when I first started, that fear soon passed when I realised it wasn’t so bad after all. I am amazed by how many opportunities are being offered to us here at Robert Clack. I am very proud to say that I will be representing Robert clack in Netball. I’m a very sporty girl so Robert Clack is great for me. The school is strict and there is a lot more work to do but the teachers make it fun which makes me look forward to my lessons. I have really enjoyed my time at Robert Clack and hopefully this will continue in the future.
DANIELLE STARAS
7AD
I was really nervous about my special day, my heart was thumping. I couldn’t wait to make new friends. The night before my first day was nerve wracking and I couldn’t sleep from all the excitement. My head was full of questions like; Will I get lost? and What are the teachers like? Finally it was the morning of my first day at secondary school and I got dressed. When I arrived at the school, I saw all my friends outside waiting like everybody else.
The lessons at Robert Clack are really great and interesting for me. I really enjoy Robert Clack and I am so glad that I have an opportunity to make my future the best. COURTNEY COOTE 7AD |
My first day at Robert Clack was a day I will never forget. I was really scared and did not know what to expect. We lined up in the tennis courts then we were shown to our form classes by our form teachers. I really like my form tutor, Miss Davies.
I have made a lot of new friends while I have been at Robert Clack, not only year 7’s but year 8s. . I am really enjoying my lessons at Robert Clack as they are so different to the lessons I had at Primary School. I am really enjoying doing French with Mr Parry. Going up to senior school is like a big journey.
For the brave nothing is difficult!
REBECCA WOODWARD
7AD
On the 4th September 2009 it was my very first day at Robert Clack School. As I stepped through the school gates it seemed like I became a different person, more mature and, independent. I was waiting in the tennis courts to see what my form class and tutor were. When it was announced everyone walked to their forms. I was slowly trying to see if I could spot my friends but it was no luck. As we emerged from the class I felt excited but nervous at the same time. My form teacher is called Miss Valentine and she was so helpful. Moments later the bell rang for assembly and everyone approached the hall, we all stood waiting for other forms to come. Finally everyone arrived and Miss Sturman (the Head of Year) gave us permission to sit, during the assembly Mr Grant (the Headteacher of the school) came on and gave a magnificent speech. The day passed by extremely quickly and before I knew it, it was time to go home. I was really proud of myself, I had made it- I was now a Robert Clack Student!
ALI MAHMUD 7EV |
Robert Clack was really scary at first, not knowing a lot of people or where everything is. Now after only a few weeks at the school, I know where all my classes are and I have made loads of friends.
PAIGE BURGESS
7EV
At first I was very scared and worried about moving to Secondary School, however, now I absolutely love the school and everything about it! The school is FANTASTIC and these are my reasons; The teachers are kind and very helpful, the uniform looks smart and is great, also the school dinners are delicious , they are the best school dinners I have ever tasted. The first day I started I was so scared that I might get lost because I didn’t know where any of the classrooms were but once you have asked a couple of teachers where the classes are you will know every class in Robert Clack School. Also there are a lot of changes, there are more teachers and the school is much bigger than Primary School and there are a lot of children in the whole school. I had never imagined there would be that many children. There are a lot of children compared to Primary School. I hope you have enjoyed reading my piece of writing. EVA MALIQI 7EV |
At Robert Clack I have made new friends in the first and second week. I am really enjoying it, it is so amazing! Many people I know are from my old junior school, that helped me know where my classes are but I am now used to finding it.
I thought it will be scary but it turned out really well even though it is an enormous school I love it! I joined clubs like rugby and football and I made the team. I am very excited. I think I can achieve a lot in the school, not only in sport but in work. I like French a lot because Mr Parry makes it fun. This is the 2 best weeks of my life of school and I am looking forward to it.
MICHAEL AMUSHAN
7EV
Joining Robert Clack was a nerve wracking yet exhilarating experience. At the time a flurry of emotions rushed through my mind, as would in any individual. Although the change fro primary school to secondary school was a bit stressful to start with I rapidly adjusted and settled into the now familiar corridors and classrooms throughout the school. This was due to helpful hands around the school, such as teachers, staff and many Year 8s who helped us. One of the many things Robert Clack had to offer was amazing opportunities for a wide range of people. For example, drum club, rugby club and science club as well as many school trips to locations like France and Italy. Most of the lessons are in my personal interest as it is extremely fun and educational to participate. Overall it has been a stunning time so far at Robert Clack and I hope to enjoy many more good times. SAM MULLIGAN 7EV |
My name is Tumi Edun and this is my experience about moving from my Primary School , Grafton Junior School to Secondary School. I was excited about interacting with new people and meeting my new teachers. At Grafton, my other school, we only had one or two teachers, so it wasn’t that hard to remember the names of the teachers. Now I have around 14 to 16 teachers, but I won’t find it that hard to remember their names because they are all lovely teachers. I think that moving to Secondary School is one of the most exciting yet nerve wracking experiences you will have to go through in your life.
Robert Clack is really different compared to my old school as there are many more pupils and classrooms. At first it is hard to find your way around, but then you get used to it and memorise every spot in the school. In my opinion I think I have settled really well because I have met new people and had more new lessons like French, Food Technology and Technology. I have enjoyed all the lessons so far but particularly enjoy French, Games, Maths, Science and Art. There is a lot of homework but I am coping very well with it.
I have attended a few clubs and I have decided which sports I love best; Rugby, Cross-Country, Football and Dace. Cross-Country is very good for improving fitness and helps with every sport you do. I think Cross-Country is my favourite sport activity so far, gradually improving my fitness. I am looking forward to earning my new socks with three blue stripes on them. Also representing Robert Clack if I get picked for the sports team.
My time here so fat has been fun and interesting. I hope the rest of the year will be as fantastic as the time I have stayed already.
Tumi Edun
7EV
I have been at Robert Clack for nearly 2 weeks now, and I have enjoyed every part. Even though I was very scared on my first day I have already settled in really well. Also I have made loads of new friends, who are in most of my classes. I didn’t think that it was that easy to make new friends, but being at Robert Clack it has been really easy. I think I will probably make even more friends very soon. On the very first day I thought it would be very difficult to find all of your classes but after a while you soon get to know your way around the school. The year 8’s and 9’s were very helpful to me, and told me where to go for each lesson. I hope my time at Robert Clack School will get even better than it is now. I am really going to enjoy it. KATIE SMITH 7DB |
My first 2 weeks were great! I was nervous to start with but I’ve got my oldconfidence back! All the teachers are great and welcoming. I didn’t know what to do because in my old school (Primary) it was really easy as you stayed in the same class with the same teacher. Unlike Primary School in Robert Clack you have to move classes and teachers. Overall, I have settled in well and I can’t wait to finish my 1st year at Robert Clack. Thanks for allowing me to come here.
IBUKUNOLU KUFIRIJI
7PV
An hour before I started school I was scared and nervous. I had one friend who I knew was coming to Robert Clack and I didn’t know where my classes were. I was also scared because I didn’t know what the teachers were like. When I got into school I wasn’t nervous as I was an hour before. Once I got in my form and I saw my friend Kelly it made me feel happier and not as scared because I knew I had a friend with me. We were in our form for most of the day, but when it came to Period 4 and 5 we went to our classes. I used a map to show me where to go, and I had my timetable with me so I knew what class I was in. Once I finished my first day at school I was glad that I got through the day and I couldn’t wait until Monday. When it came to Monday we had to go to our classes for the first time. After the first couple of days I had made more friends and had become more confident in where my classes were and in myself. When I went to my classes I made new friends and learnt many different things. I am glad that I came to Robert Clack, it’s a really good school. SIAN TANNER 7PV
|
When I was about to join Robert Clack, I did not know what would await me but when I got there on the first day, it was fine. I was extremely relieved that it was going to be okay. Moving from Primary School meant that I had to leave memories behind and start a fresh new school.
Robert Clack is a great school and has great opportunities for those who take advantage of them. I still have some of my friends at school, although some of them did not come to the school. The teachers here are really nice and I have a superb form tutor. Her name is Miss Davies. She is new to the school like us.
ABOLAJI KALEJAIYE
7AD
Care, guidance and support are outstanding. Students are positive about the effective pastoral system that contributes to the 'family-like' community in the school. Students feel safe in school, supported by the high levels of supervision throughout the day. There are outstanding links with local authority and other external agencies so that vulnerable students including looked after children are well cared for. Careers advice and support are excellent and ensure that students are well informed about the options available to them for the next stage of education and working life. Systematic whole-school procedures rigorously check on students' academic progress. Day-to-day guidance to students on how to improve their performance is very effective.
