Reflections on Life as a Year 7

A group of Year 7 and 8 pupils recently visited our Year 6 classes at Truro School Prep to help them prepare for their exciting next step: joining the Senior School. Poppy, Will, Jenny and Atti shared valuable insights from their own experiences, offering advice and reassurance to those about to begin their journey.

The visiting pupils spoke openly about the transition, acknowledging that while it is natural to feel nervous about moving to a bigger site, there is plenty of support available and those worries quickly fade once term begins.

Among the inspiring tips shared by the group were:

• Throw yourself into clubs, with a particularly enthusiastic endorsement of Dungeons and Dragons from Atti

• Get to know your timetable early on

• Travel to lessons as a form group to help find your way

• Do not hesitate to ask for help, whether you are lost, stuck on homework or unsure about something

Each pupil spoke with confidence and honesty, responding thoughtfully to questions from the Year 6 audience. Their guidance and encouragement helped to make the transition ahead feel less daunting and more exciting.

One of the highlights of the session was Will’s speech, which perfectly captured both the anticipation and reassurance that come with moving up to Senior School:

“Around this time last year, I remember feeling a bit nervous but also excited for moving up to the Senior School.

I remember wanting to make the most of Year 6 because I knew it would be such a fun year as the last year of Prep, with so much to look forward to like the French Trip.

I went to the Open Morning last year and the school felt really big, but I liked looking around, especially the sports facilities. The science rooms and the Art and DT rooms were cool too.

Since I started at the Senior School, I feel like it is not as big and new anymore. I was able to get to know my way around the school quite quickly. There was a Taster Day and we got to go in home clothes. The induction day helped too at the start of term.

Here are some tips for when you start at the Senior School:

• If you are concerned about getting lost, do not be. I did not get lost, nor did my friends. People are willing to help point you in the right direction, and the teachers will understand. If I see you next year, I can help you too. If you do find yourself a bit confused, ask someone for help.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions.
• Do not be nervous about the older children, as people are friendly.
• There are loads of clubs to try, so give them a go.

I hope you all really enjoy Year 6 and see you next year at the Senior School!”

These sessions play an important role in ensuring a smooth and confident transition from Truro School Prep to the Senior School, helping pupils to build familiarity and excitement for the next stage of their education.

Mr Johnson and Mrs Thurlow will return to the Prep on Thursday and Friday to conduct group interviews, another valuable opportunity for pupils to ask questions and get to know key staff before September.

The transition journey continues this weekend with the annual Activity Morning, taking place on Saturday, 15 November at the Senior School. This fun-filled event is open to all current Year 6 pupils hoping to join Truro School in Year 7, and promises a morning of exciting challenges, teamwork and exploration, offering another step towards feeling at home at Truro School.