Head of Years 7 and 8

Bernadette Cheong

Transition into secondary school is not just a change of timetable; it can change how pupils see themselves and how they experience familiar strengths.

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A little about me

I lead Years 7 and 8 and teach English. Transition into secondary school is not just a change of timetable; it can change how pupils see themselves and how they experience familiar strengths. I want the early weeks to help them feel known and connected, while they learn the routines and expectations of a new phase.

Belonging can shape how a pupil participates. If something looks like a behaviour difficulty, I want to understand what has happened around it and whether the pupil has found a place in the group. Time spent building relationships is part of the work, not time taken away from learning.

I look for English resources that make conversation, reading and shared work accessible while pupils settle in. A clear task can give the class a common focus, but the teacher also needs to notice who is joining in and who may need another way to contribute. I value transition planning that combines academic purpose with the daily conditions that help pupils feel secure.

How I approach a lesson

  1. Make space for relationships during transition.

  2. Look for belonging needs before labelling behaviour.

  3. Use clear English tasks with more than one way to participate.

Templates I'd use with my class

Explore these templates and decide what fits your own setting.

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