Moving into Year 7 is a big step, and we provide students every opportunity to start the next phase of their academic career with confidence and enthusiasm. In order to make this process straightforward, we run a series of activities that help children become familiar with the Senior School to alleviate any worries they may have about moving into Year 7.
Taster Day
The carefully managed process begins around October when students are in Year 6. During Taster Day, they spend the day experiencing life at Senior School, including an introduction to the House system and the different leadership roles that are available across different platforms.
Outward Bound
The Taster Day is closely followed in December by an Outward Bound residential trip to Sai Kung, where students from across the two Prep campuses camp together and work in mixed campus groups to ensure students are able to renew friendships formed on the Year 5 Beijing visit.
Houses & Tutors
In February, students have the opportunity to name five friends who they would like to be in the same Senior House with. Typically siblings will be in the same House, and each student will be with at least one of their named friends. Meanwhile behind the scenes Prep and Senior staff are liaising to pass over insights and ensure the Year 7 Tutors begin to get to know the students, their strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies and preferences.
Scholarships
During the later half of Year 6 students are selected, based on ongoing continuous testing and assessment, and invited to apply for a Scholarship. The scholarships provide honourees with opportunities to stretch and develop through the Scholars rewards programme, as well as a school fee remission of 10%. To apply they must attend an assessment day taking into account character, academic ability and potential, after which a limited number of Kellett Scholarships are awarded.
Transition Lessons
In May Transition Lessons in Maths, English and Science are held over 4 weeks with Senior school teachers attending the two Prep campuses to teach Year Six students. At this stage Tutor Groups are finalised and parents are informed which member of staff will be overseeing their child’s academic and personal progress as their Form Tutor in Year 7.
Transition Evening
Later on in the year in June, Kellett holds a Transition Evening for students and parents to provide more information. The evening starts with a short presentation in the David Kidd Theatre where more details are shared about life in Senior School. Families then break out to meet their Form Tutor and Head of House in person. Many members of staff who will be important in your child's life at Kellett Senior will be present, and the uniform shop will be open for you to make purchases.
Transition Day
The final stage for our Year 6 students is Transition Day where Prep students, plus any students new to Kellett entering Year 7, spend the whole day at Senior School. Together they explore their exciting new surroundings, including Science labs, the Media Studies hub, and Design Technology lab, which will no doubt feel like home before too long. They also compete for the first time in their Houses with older students in a competition which is designed to begin the team building process, whilst giving them the opportunity to show their sporting and academic talents.