Dear Parents and Carers,
We look forward to welcoming Neave to Testbourne Community School, and ahead of then, joining us for the Year 6 Transition Day on Wednesday 10th July 2024. On the same day we look forward to seeing you at the Information Evening.
This email confirms the final arrangements for the day and the evening, and we hope this answers any questions you may have.
Before the day
Students need to wear their primary school uniform, and bring a school bag with their packed lunch to eat, a water bottle, and a snack. If you have informed us that they normally received free school meals this will be discretely provided. Please make sure that your child has a sun hat and has applied sun cream if the weather is hot, and ensure they have a refillable water bottle to keep hydrated. They will need to bring a pen and pencil, but will not need any books or other equipment.
The start of the day
School begins at 8:40am, when the first bell sounds for students. Year 6 students should be on the main playground at 8:40am to meet the Year 9 helpers and Mrs Ballanger Head of Year 7.
If your child is catching the school bus their route is shown below: the bus drivers know to pick up the Year 6 students and have been told to look out for the students who will be wearing their Primary school uniform.
There are limited seats for the Y6 day, we have been advised this year that the children will need to book their seats in advance. Please can you inform us if your child needs to take the bus here: https://forms.office.com/e/amYsdAsYHT
When your child arrives, they will be greeted on the main school playground by our Year 9 helpers and directed to the Sports Hall where they will find out their tutor. The Year 9 Helpers will remain with the tutor groups all day, and ensure your child settles into the beginning of a new routine.
If you are dropping off your child, please park on Micheldever Road or in the old bus bay, so that they can walk on to the main school playground.
At the end of the day
The students will take part in a variety of lessons and have a tour of the school, including having their fingerprint scanned to pay for food in September.
At the end of the day, if your child catches a school bus, they will be directed by staff and Year 9 helpers. It is really helpful if you remind your child what bus route they are on and what stop to get off at. This is all good practice ahead of September!
For those collecting their child, at the end of the school day please collect your child from the main school playground but bear in mind that the site is very busy – it is a good idea to let your child know where you will be waiting.
Important information about the evening
In the evening, you are invited to an event to find out more about the school and ask any questions. This is for parents, however your child can attend with you if they would like to. The event starts from around 6pm in the Sports Hall, where there will be some time to look at some of the key information and speak to key members of staff.
- The Head of Year 7, Mrs Samantha Ballanger, will be available to speak to any parents with specific concerns
- Our SENDCo Mrs Geraldine Gray and Assistant SENDCo Mrs Clare Sykes will be able to answer any questions about SEND support
- The PTFA will be selling pre-loved school uniform, as well as rasiing money by selling refreshments, and giving information about you can help with fundraising for Testbourne Community School
- Our librarian, Mrs Evie Bates, will be on hand to talk about the library here at school and share her passion for reading
- A stall from the Canteen giving information about lunch and break food available, including canteen menus and a chance to discuss allergy concerns
- Information about Music lessons from our Music department, and a chance to speak to Year 10 students about Music at Testbourne
- PE staff on hand to give information with sample PE kit from Stitch Design, and Sports Captains from Year 10 talking about clubs and fixtures
- A representative from Easy4U will be on site to answer any questions about our Laptop Scheme. More information on the scheme can be found on our website by going to: https://go.testbourne.school/laptopscheme.
- A map of the school will be displayed, showing the location of lockers to help you decide which locker may be suitable.
At 6:15pm, there will be a talk from the Headteacher Mr Jon Beck, lasting around 30 minutes. After this talk, you will be guided to your child’s new tutor room to meet some Year 10 Prefects and get some more information about Testbourne, as well as have another chance to ask questions.
You will also be provided with our comprehensive New Parent Handbook, which has a wealth of information for those new to the school, and covers information that we hope, along with the day and the evening give you all you need ahead of September.
Testbourne Community School