St Mary's, St Gregory's and Our Lady's year 6's experience life as Year 7's at St Benedict’s
On Thursday, 17th October, St Benedict’s Catholic High School in Alcester warmly welcomed Year 6 students from St Mary’s, St Gregory’s, and Our Lady’s Catholic primary schools for an enrichment day. The visit was designed to give the pupils a first-hand look at what life will be like as Year 7 students, helping to make the leap from primary to secondary school a little less daunting.
The day was carefully planned to immerse the students in a variety of subjects, highlighting the broad curriculum they’ll experience when they join St Benedict’s next year. The hands-on activities allowed the pupils to explore new skills, meet their future teachers, and get a feel for the vibrant community at the school.
The first activity was a science lesson where the pupils conducted experiments with solutions, observing chemical reactions and learning the basics of laboratory safety and equipment. This practical experience helped spark their interest in the scientific method and gave them an early understanding of how science lessons will be structured at secondary school.
Following science, the pupils moved to the food technology room, where the budding chefs rolled up their sleeves to make a classic crumble. Here, they learned to work with ingredients and follow a recipe - with delicious results!
Next, in the music classroom, the students were introduced to keyboard skills, where they learned to play a number of new songs. This hands-on approach allowed them to familiarise themselves with musical instruments, providing a taste of the opportunities available in the school's music lessons.
Continuing their day of discovery, the young artists gathered in the art room, where their creativity soared as they designed and made their own helicopters. Using various materials and techniques, they were encouraged to think outside the box, blending imagination with practicality.
The event also gave students the chance to meet key staff and interact with current Year 7 pupils. The St Benedict’s teaching staff ensured that the day was both informative and enjoyable, offering plenty of opportunities for the Year 6s to ask questions and feel more at ease about the transition ahead.
Mrs. Paddock, Headteacher at St Benedict’s Catholic High School, said, “We are delighted to have hosted such enthusiastic students from our local primary schools. Transitioning to secondary school can be a big step, but by offering events like this, we can give students a chance to settle into their new environment early, making them feel more comfortable and prepared for the next phase of their education.”
The Year 6 students left St Benedict’s with smiles on their faces and a renewed sense of anticipation for the journey ahead. The enrichment day not only showcased the diverse learning opportunities awaiting them but also emphasised the welcoming environment at St Benedict’s Catholic High School, making the next chapter of their educational journey something to look forward to.
