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Transitioning to Year 7

Starting secondary school is an exciting and proud milestone for children and their families but naturally, can also be an apprehensive time. At Harris Academy Battersea, we recognise this and are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

We know how crucial the transition from year 6 into year 7 is in setting each young person up for success; our goal is to make this smooth, enjoyable and full of opportunities for success - both academically and personally.

We work closely with local primary schools so that students and their families begin to feel a sense of belonging in our special community as early as possible. We visit them, talk to prospective new students and families about the school and welcome them in to experience life at HABS first-hand through our Open Mornings and Open Evenings. During these events, families can immerse themselves in our vibrant 'HABS' community, get a feel for our strong school culture, enjoy student-led tours, explore our fantastic facilities, get a sense of the rich learning experience in lessons and ask any questions they may have. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see what makes HABS a place where every student can thrive.

Once families decide to join our Academy, we welcome you in for the following events, ensuring you and your child feel fully prepared and confident throughout the transition to secondary school

Transition Welcome Event (Tuesday 16th June)

This event will provide the following opportunities for families:

  • Meet our committed and passionate staff team, including our Head of Academy and Admissions Officer

  • Explore our excellent facilities

  • A presentation covering key information about HABS, including key expectations outlined in our Home Academy Agreement to ensure a strong start in September

  • A dedicated interview with a member of staff to discuss your child’s previous school experience and share other important information so we can start getting to know them

  • Targeted support for parents and carers of students with any Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)

  • Practical support and guidance with Free School Meal (FSM) applications, ordering uniform and equipment, as well as completion of any outstanding administration

  • Support getting set up on our online platforms, including ParentPay and 'My Child At School' (MCAS)

  • Answer any questions you may have

  • Begin to feel part of our special HABS community!

Transition Day: A Day in the Life of a HABS Student (Tuesday 30th June)

This day will offer the following for students:

  • Experience fun and engaging lessons in new subjects

  • Take part in exciting experiments in our science laboratories

  • Enjoy team building activities in our state-of-the-art sports facilities

  • Make new friends

  • Meet our welcoming and supportive staff

  • Explore the school building and become familiar with their new environment

We appreciate that starting a new school can feel overwhelming for all involved so these events are carefully designed to ease any worries, build confidence and spark excitement as students begin their 'HABS' journey with us!

When September then finally arrives, our new year 7 students join us before other year groups, ensuring they receive the extra time and attention they need and deserve. They start the day in small groups getting to know their tutors and completing fun activities, for example, a treasure hunt to familiarise themselves with the school building. They also have an assembly to meet key staff and go through important information, a computer session to set them up on key platforms and a library visit to ensure every students has a reading book from day one.

Academically, our year 7 curriculum is carefully designed to build on learning from years 5 and 6, ensuring a seamless transition into secondary school.

Within the first term of year 7s joining our HABS community, we then have a ‘Meet the Team’ evening where we invite families into the school to meet key staff supporting your child, including their tutors, hear about highlights from their journey so far and find out about exciting opportunities ahead! 

At Harris Academy Battersea, we believe that a strong start lays the foundation for future success. With high expectations, excellent teachers, dedicated pastoral care and a vibrant learning environment, our year 7 students quickly grow in confidence, independence and ambition. We look forward to welcoming each new cohort and fostering strong partnerships with families to make the secondary school journey a truly rewarding and memorable experience.