10 and 11-year olds across Leeds will get a taste of life at secondary school through a new online programme launched by AET and BeReady.
The partnership between BeReady and AET, one of the largest groups of academies in England and sponsor of Cottingley Primary Academy, has created the “Be Ready to Be Remarkable” programme drawing on the experience and expertise of teachers from across the trust, in an engaging online learning resource designed to help prepare Year 6 pupils across for secondary school: BeReady to be remarkable
The programme contains a number of engaging videos focusing on all aspects of school life, including how lessons run at secondary school, how to keep on top of homework, how to make friends, what sorts of activities happen outside of lessons, and what happens at break and lunchtimes. The animated videos designed to ease the transition to secondary school – which can be a stressful time for pupils.
The videos are hosted by the characters Maya and Daniel, two lively secondary school pupils who talk Year 6 pupils through all they need to know about the step up to Year 7 and a new school. These in-the-know teenage guides to life at secondary school are joined by a full supporting cast of diverse characters, from friendly new classmates to approachable and supportive teachers.
The initiative has been designed in partnership with BeReady, an organisation that works with schools, universities and employers to help people gain qualifications, learn new skills and further their careers.
The programme is free of charge and is available to all 650,000 10 and 11-year olds who are leaving primary school to start secondary school in September. Pupils will be able to access the content online from today (26 June 2020) on the BeReady website.
Kelly Bentley, Headteacher at Cottingley Primary Academy said:
“I am delighted that our school will benefit from this valuable programme to help primary pupils understand more about secondary school. Even without the Coronavirus, this is a stressful time of year for our Year 6s as they prepare to leave us and go on to secondary school. This programme will help reassure them so they can take that next step with confidence.”
Kyle Burrows, CEO at BeReady, said:
“We are proud to play our part in helping primary pupils prepare to join their new schools. This programme will be instrumental in supporting young people to develop the skills they need to take their next steps with confidence, and to be ready for their futures.”
Lauren Costello OBE, FRSA, National Director for Primary and SEND, AET, said:
“In these unusual times, where everything has changed for Year 6 students, one thing remains inevitable – the transition from primary to secondary. This brilliant programme seeks to give primary pupils the knowledge, but more importantly the confidence they need and the belief in themselves that they will continue to find their remarkable.”
Julian Drinkall, CEO at AET, said:
“In these uncertain times we wanted to do our part in helping ease the transition to secondary school. This has traditionally been a stressful time for young children, but this programme demystifies what the future holds for them and helps them feel ready and confident to hit the ground running from their first day of school.
“At AET we want every child to ‘find their remarkable’ – to discover the skills and the talents they have which will help them go on to a world of success. This programme is going to be invaluable in making sure that happens.”
This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of AET
