• “Top Tips” for Students starting at Thamesmead

What is new about secondary school...?

• You may have a longer journey to school

• You have a uniform which you must wear each day

• You also have a PE kit to wear for games

• The school site is much bigger and there will be more people around

• You will have different teachers and classrooms for different subjects

• You will follow a timetable of lessons each day of the week

• Some subjects will be new to you

• You will have more books, equipment and materials to look after

• You will need to use a homework diary

• Break and lunch arrangements will be different

• There will be new rules and routines to learn

• New teams and activities will be available to join

• You will be expected to be more independent, organised and responsible for yourself

• You will have new challenges and new opportunities

Are you worried about...?

• Not making friends

• Getting lost

• Travelling to and from school

• Older pupils annoying you

• Having new teachers

• Following a timetable each day

• Not being able to do the work

• Not having the right books and equipment

• Finding help if there’s a problem

• Getting into trouble

We will help you….

• We provide a caring and well ordered environment to help you settle, learn and develop to the best of your ability.

• The first day of term Year 7 pupils only start at 8.25am to help you settle in

• A programme of early lessons will offer you more advice and support

• Your Heads of House and Tutors are available to speak with every day

• There are many teachers, other adults and fellow pupils who are there to help. Always ask for help when you need it.

• Help yourself by following the advice you are given by your teachers, thinking and acting in a sensible  

You can help yourself (and others)…

• Leave home on time each morning to arrive in school on time

• Check each morning, or even the night before, that you have everything you need for the day at school (eg books, equipment, materials, homework, notes, money)

• Read your timetable and homework diary to help you know what you need and what you will be learning each day

• Take care of your bag and other belongings in school throughout each day (use changing rooms and lockers properly)

• Make sure uniform is complete and neat (and bring PE kit on the days it is needed)

• Speak with your Tutor or Head of House at the start of each day if you need help or have any concerns

• Move quickly and orderly between lessons : arrive on time and enter the room ready to settle and learn

• Ask your subject teachers to explain any parts of the lessons you do not understand : listen and participate well in all your classes

• Write homework carefully in your Daybook and check the diary each night to make sure you have work completed and brought back to school at the right time

• Always follow instructions and rules which are necessary for good order and safety in a large school : good behaviour is essential

• Get involved in teams and clubs to help you enjoy all that school offers and make more new friends

• Treat all others as you would wish to be treated…with respect.