Year 7 pupils in team building fun
Raft building, climbing and abseiling have been among the activities on offer for pupils about to start at Polesworth School this year in a scheme involving Warwickshire County Council’s Extended Services team.
With funding provided by the co-ordinator for the Anker Valley cluster over 100 pupils from Austrey, Birchwood, Dordon, Nethersole, Newton Regis, Warton Nethersole, Woodside and other feeder primary schools attended the centre.
The activities were designed to help pupils get to know each other before starting at secondary school. The cluster co-ordinator liaised with all primary schools to see which pupils were felt to benefit most from the opportunity.
Pupils attended one of eight days held at the outdoor centre over the course of the holidays and, with the assistance of Polesworth School placed the children in their future tutor groups at their new school.
Councillor Heather Timms, portfolio holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Starting secondary school can be one of the most traumatic periods for children.
"All of the children who attended these activity days spoke of feeling happier about starting school, having made friends in advance of that first day. They will not be facing the experience of starting their new school alone and will fit more quickly into their new surroundings.
“This is an excellent idea. Getting off to a good start at secondary school can make a major difference to the levels of behaviour, attendance and achievement further down the line.”
The autumn term sees a new programme of extended services activities in North Warwickshire. For further details visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/extendedservices.