Transition into La Retraite
The Legacy Starts Here…
To welcome our new Year 7 starters and to ensure that their transition from primary to secondary school is successful and exciting, we have developed our unique transition programme. Coupled with our strong links with local primary schools, pupils are welcomed into the La Retraite family long before they join us in September.
We know how exciting the move to secondary education is for every child and that it is met with great enthusiasm with the opportunity to study new subjects, make new friends and broaden horizons. However, we understand that many may feel nervous, and their families find the progression daunting.
Incorporating a range of events and activities, we are able fulfil our pledge that pupils will have the opportunity to meet their teachers, begin building friendships and familiarise themselves with their new environment, long before their first day. In turn, this allows our teachers the opportunity to get to know every girl’s likes and dislikes, learning styles, passions and personalities, to ensure a positive start to their La Retraite education.
Should you wish to discuss transition, specific needs or to request a tour onsite of the school, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the school: admin@laretraite.co.uk.
Click here to download our Transition Booklet to see all the transition events we have planned!
The Transition Programme
FRIENDSHIP AFTERNOON
An event for families and pupils who have been offered a place at La Retraite, to meet new friends, members of staff and enjoy taster lessons, to gain a first insight into the excitement that awaits!
Don't miss out! Click here to book your place at our event on Thursday 14th March!
ALL ABOUT YOU!
Keep an eye on your inbox! In May, you can expect an All About Me Booklet, to ensure we get to know you as much as possible before September. Remember to bring it with you on Induction Day!
Please click here to view the 'All About Me' Transition Booklet
TEAM BUILDING
Our summer workshops run throughout the term, from creative writing to the arts, experiments to drama and multi-skills to geometry sessions, we have it covered! Schools are invited to express an interest.
PRIMARY SCHOOL VISITS
If we are able to, one of our Senior Leadership team members and the Head of Year 7 will be visiting primary schools and meeting with staff to find out more about you, and let you know what to expect.
INTERVIEWS
One-to-one interviews with every family – getting to know your child; their strengths, skills and special talents. These are optional meetings with a member of the senior leadership team and provide an opportunity for parents to return any outstanding forms and ask any questions. Taking place in June, contact transition@laretraite.co.uk to book a slot.
INDUCTION DAY
Enjoy an induction day bursting to the seams with fun activities, workshops and taster lessons. Parents are invited in for an information evening too, to find out more about what to expect and an opportunity to answer any questions.
TOUCHING BASE
Start to get ready – here you will receive your final checklist, ahead of your very first day and Summer Challenges booklet, which we hope will keep you busy completing before September!
FIRST DAY
All new Year 7 students begin the new academic year a day ahead of the rest of the school. This allows them to find their way around and get to know their peers and teachers.
Introducing Heli, Year 7 Student
With dreams of attending university to study Medicine or Law, Heber School alumni student Heli was drawn to La Retraite for its Outstanding Ofsted status, long history of success and reputation as one of the top schools in the country.
The change from primary to secondary school has been huge, but La Retraite helped me to settle in through virtual meetings, answering questions, transition work online and calls with teachers, which really prepared me for what was to come. I wanted to attend La Retraite because of their results, teaching and school values and for these reasons I would recommend the school to any girl
Olivia, Year 7 Student and St John XXIII Catholic Primary Alumni, in her own words
I chose to apply for La Retraite as it specialises in Science, Maths and had a strong Music department: my three favourite subjects and some of which I hope to pursue later in life through my career and passions. Moving from primary to secondary school was a big change, but the school helped me, and all my peers, to settle in through visits to our primary schools to outline expectations and invitations to the school for Friendship Afternoon, Taster and Retreat Days, a staggered start and much more, which allowed us to begin building friendships, get to know our new school surroundings and meet with our teachers, which eased the process. I would recommend La Retraite to any girl looking for a welcoming school environment, lots of clubs, opportunities to try something new and teachers that make learning exciting.
Meet Lara, Year 7 Student
Henry Cavendish Primary School alumni Lola is aiming with high, with ambitions to take her passion for the arts and establish a successful career as an actress, following the achievement of a university degree. Citing virtual meetings and a staggered start for helping her transition into life at secondary school, she praises the kind and friendly community atmosphere, and Catholic ethos for welcoming her to the school.
La Retraite is a unique school, that wants the best for every girl. All of us are offered the opportunity to study and learn an instrument, alongside a range of other clubs and subjects that challenge us to be the very best we can be and learn new skills vital for our future. All teachers have high aspirations for us, and they are dedicated to helping us achieve what we have set our minds to