We work closely with our primary partner schools to offer a variety of experiences to key stage two children.

For some children in year 4 and 5 the opportunity to visit their local secondary school can begin the bridging process. ‘Hands on’ activities and lessons involving children from primary schools working collaboratively with older students develops relationships and new skills.

Our established programme called ‘Peek at a Day’ runs throughout the year and is often focused around Design Technology, Food Technology, Art and Design, Science and Physical Education. We also involve external providers to support the activities and learning which makes the experiences memorable.

Our programme is varied and provides ‘hands on activities’ easing children into a new environment through activities that stimulate and develop their learning.

For children joining the Heath Lane Academy we are offering ‘Advance to Go’ an opportunity to come to school and experience new lessons and a new environment in the summer term of Year 6. This transition has been very successful at supporting children as they move from primary to secondary school and reducing the anxieties they have about joining a new school. New routines, new teachers, new classrooms and a new timetable are all explored in a friendly and supportive week as well as the advantage of making new friends before the start of the autumn term.

Our students in Year 9 begin to select their GCSE subjects and are supported through individual and group sessions by experienced members of staff and qualified Careers Advisors. We believe in providing high quality information and encourage discussion around choices that are supported by local labour market information to enable students to feel confident in their choices.

Our planned programme of Careers Education is designed to enable students to explore the world of work and also future work as they consider a wide range of opportunities and employment. We encourage and invite into school for assemblies and events a wide range of local employers, FE colleges and apprenticeship providers to support decision making and give the students meaningful opportunities to ask questions and find out information.

Leaving school for some students presents a wide range of new opportunities and for others may present some challenges. We aim to make all our students aware of all local opportunities as well as those available nationally. All our students receive one to one guidance interviews during Year 10 and 11 to help plan for a successful future and access career opportunities. We provide direct access to a range of Post 16 providers through events like ‘Your Future Matters’ designed to engage all our students with employers and providers supporting a positive destination.

We are committed to ensuring at all stages of their schooling the students in their care are supported and able to access all the opportunities available to them so they can fulfil their potential and have successful futures.