Tadcaster Grammar School has appointed Sue Western to the new role of transition manager to further ease the move for youngsters coming up from primary schools.
Following the retirement of Christine Barrass after 38 years of service to the school, much of this time as head of Year 7, Joyce Harrison has now taken over those reins and she and Sue will work together to ensure the smooth running of Year 7.
Sue, who has worked at Tadcaster Grammar School since January 2004 in the role of administration assistant said: “Christine Barrass brought thousands of children through from Year 6 to 7. I worked with her last term before her retirement in order that the handover went as smoothly as possible.
As transition manager, Sue’s job will remain constant and she will continue to oversee the smooth transfer of all Year 7 students from Year 6 each year, whereas Joyce will move with her group of students into Year 8 and stay with them through to Year 11.
Headteacher Geoff Mitchell said: “One of the most important periods of transition for young people is leaving a primary school they know so well and joining a secondary school – often only known to them as a name.”
“Sue has already started to work with Year 6 teachers in many primary schools to ensure the most secure and happy start for the new students next year. This should ensure that they can concentrate on the real purpose – achieving success from the first day.”
Joyce Harrison said: “Sue Western was the perfect choice for this role. The new students have really bonded with her. She knows all their names and is helping me, as well as our new student support manager, Christine Egan, to get to know all the students and to settle into our new roles.”
Robert Cornforth, who joined the school this month from Harewood Primary School, said: “Tadcaster Grammar School is fantastic. I come from a small school of 100 pupils and when I knew I was coming to Tadcaster, I just thought ‘Help, how will I make new friends when I hardly know anyone?’ “Mrs Western is really, really friendly and at the induction day she knew I was the only pupil coming from Harewood, so she helped me make new friends. I am so happy here, it is fantastic.”
Lily Martin, from Knavesmire Primary School said: “I was really nervous when I found out I was coming to Tadcaster, but Mrs Western has helped me to settle and I am really happy. Mrs Western and Mrs Harrison are really kind and have also helped me to make new friends.
“For anyone coming to Tadcaster next year, I would say not to worry, be nervous or scared, as everyone here will help you.”
Although Sue is working closely with Joyce and this September’s Year 7s, her thoughts are very much on next year’s intake as open evening approaches.
Tadcaster Grammar School will hold its 2010 open evening on Wednesday, October 6, from 6pm to 8.30pm for all prospective students and their parents to view the facilities. The headteacher will speak at 6.30pm and 7.15pm in the main hall.
Sue Said: “I would encourage all parents and students to come along on the evening to see the school and meet the staff.”
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