How did you feel before you started  at your new school? 

I felt a bit nervous because it was going to be much bigger than I was used to. I was looking forward to doing Science in a lab! 

How did you feel after your first day at your new school? 

As I had been to 3 days of summer school I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. The summer school really helped as we got to meet our form class and some other people too. 

Are you used to your new routine and uniform? 

I got used to the new routine quickly and having an A and B week makes it much easier. The planner tells you if it is week A or B. The uniform was quite easy to get used to. 

What are the biggest differences between West Lodge and your new school? 

The size of the school is the biggest difference. Our classes are much bigger and the site is too. PE is different because girls and boys are spilt. It was a shock to find out there were only 8 other girls in my class but I am used to it now. 

What did you learn at West Lodge that has helped you in your first weeks at secondary school? 

Having regular homework really helped me organise myself this year and I was used to needing certain things each day. 

Which of your learning powers have you used most at secondary school? 

I have used curiosity and resilience when I started new subjects.  

How did you feel before you started at your new school?

I felt ready for a new challenge and excited to meet new people and discover the new environment.

How did you feel after your first day at your new school?

Calm and relaxed, any apprehensions I had disappeared. Only year 7 were at our first day so we got to explore the school and meet all our teachers. It made us feel ready for the next day with the whole school.

Are you used to your new uniform and routine?

There is no difference with the uniform to West Lodge. We wear shirt, tie, jumper, trousers and blazer. There’s a variety of PE kit, but you quickly get to know what to wear for each sport. For the first few weeks the PE department are relaxed about PE kit but after that they issue an equipment mark if you have the wrong kit.

I quickly established a routine, the key is to be organised packing your bag the night before and charging your surface pro as soon as you arrive home.

What are the biggest differences between West Lodge and your new school?

The biggest difference is having a different teacher and classroom for each subject. At the start of term our Head of Year helped us navigate the buildings. You quickly learn your way around the school.  Having lockers is a big difference to West Lodge, we have alot more responsibility especially with organisation.

What did you learn at West Lodge that has helped you in your first weeks at secondary school?

Being organised with homework . Being respectful to the teachers and other pupils. Having a positive attitude and embracing new opportunities. Be yourself.

Which of your learning powers have you used most at secondary school?

Concentration and resilience.

How did you feel before you started at your new school?

Before I started at my new school, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I was eager to meet new people and take on new challenges, but also a bit anxious about adjusting to a new environment. Overall, I was looking forward to the experience.

How did you feel after your first day at your new school?

After my first day at the new school, I felt a mix of overwhelm and excitement. There was a lot to absorb, but I was eager to meet new people and adjust to the unfamiliar routine. Overall, I left feeling optimistic and positive about the experience ahead.

Are you used to your new uniform and routine?

Yes, it was pretty easy to adapt. It naturally got more comfortable each day. The routine is quite different, though I’m adjusting pretty well.

What are the biggest differences between West Lodge and your new school?

The biggest difference, I think, is the level of responsibility I’m taking. My new school feels much bigger, with more students and teachers to connect with, and a wider range of subjects. There’s also more independence, like moving between classrooms for different lessons and managing my own schedule. The workload is definitely more demanding too.

What did you learn at West Lodge that has helped you in your first weeks at secondary school?

At West Lodge, I learned how to stay organised, manage my time efficiently, and build confidence in asking for help when needed, which made adjusting to secondary school much easier.

Which of your learning powers have you used most at secondary school?

I have used resilience the most so far. It reminds me not to give up whenever I come across a challenge. In my secondary school there is a wider variety of subjects, and each subject requires more detailed understanding and critical thinking. Therefore, resilience helps me a lot in focusing and solving problems independently.

How did you feel before you started at your new school?

Very nervous about not knowing anyone.

How did you feel after your first day at your new school?

Confident and excited.

Are you used to your new uniform and routine?

Yes.

What are the biggest differences between West Lodge and your new school?

It’s a lot bigger, more faces to remember and more food options.

What did you learn at West Lodge that has helped you in your first weeks at secondary school?

The basics of Spanish.

Which of your learning powers have you used most at secondary school?

Resilience.

How did you feel before you started at your new school?

I felt excited and nervous because it was a big change from primary to secondary.

It was wonderful to welcome this former pupil, who is now studying at Colfe’s, back to West Lodge.  She generously donated three days of her time to work with Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 .  We asked her about her experience: