In September, over 180 new Year 7s will join us at King James. To make sure they settle in quickly, our Transition Programme starts early, with a wide variety of events that began for many whilst they were in Year 5.

We have an extensive Primary Outreach programme and pupils from a number of local primary schools join us regularly to take part in a variety of workshops and activities themed around Art & Photography, Music, Dance, Enterprise and Literature.

Each year we provide taster sessions for around 600 primary pupils during Year 5 Curriculum Week. This introduces students to secondary school life and gives them a taste of subjects that they might not necessarily have experienced before such as Photography, Media, Business and Enterprise, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Performing Arts. Primary Head Teachers select the sessions that they feel would most benefit their students. This year, Curriculum Week takes place from 25th - 29th June.

For those who have gained a place to start King James in September 2018, the transition process has begun in earnest. Students and their families joined us last term for Year 6 Parents' Evening (main picture) where familes were introduced to our Head Teacher, Senior Leadership Team, Miss Stephenson, our Head of Year 7, and our Tutor Team. They also found out about uniform, school transport, extra-curricular activities and Chromebooks, and expressed their interest in attending Summer School.

In July, new starters will join us for three Induction Days, which will ensure that they are completely familiar with the Academy buildings, outdoor leisure areas and the daily schedule from Breakfast Club to registration, morning break and lunchtime. They will meet their Tutor and take part in a variety of lessons so they know what to expect and understand our Academy policies. Induction Days take place from 11th-13th July.

In our Transition Summer School, new Year 7s attend three days of fun activities in school, which are specifically designed to forge friendships and to promote confidence, independence and excitement about the next step in their education.

Students can then apply to attend a free three-day adventure holiday to Winmarleigh Hall Adventure Centre in Lancashire, where they will experience Raft Building, Zip Wire, the Giant Swing, Den Building and a variety of other outdoor team building activities. Places are limited to 70 due to funding, but those who attend Winmarleigh benefit enormously from the experience in terms of proving to themselves that they can achieve anything.