'As I didn't come from the same school as other people did I was nervous, but now we all work together'
Year 7 student from St Matthew Academy
Year 7 Transition (Autumn Term)
MakeBelieve Arts offers a selection of programmes available to secondary schools to support their new intake Year 7 students in their first term.
Our programmes include a morning of activities with Year 7s working in their form groups to develop group dynamics and a supportive environment; and a week-long Head Start programme to help new pupils settle in, working with Year 7s in small groups tackling issues such as numeracy and literacy.
We also offer a Peer Education programme, which involves using Year 8s and above as role models and mentors for new Year 7s.
Year 7 Transition Event
An Enterprising Expedition
“It was really inspiring seeing the year 7’s working so well together.” (Teacher)
Seeking fresh creative and enterprising minds - Year 7 have been chosen by a team of explorers to take part in a new voyage of discovery to the unknown and unfamiliar. The adventure starts on an undiscovered island, where Year 7 has to use their team playing skills and creative minds to create and survive in a new community. Together, pupils create their own island laws and have to use their enterprising skills to negotiate and explore the exciting possibilities of this strange place with their new peers.
Year 7 Transition Event
Head Start
“The head-start session that you ran was truly excellent. I visited each of the groups and was delighted by what was going on. The leaders were all brilliant, the students all engaged and the sessions were so motivating. The feedback that we got was completely positive. This is now a cornerstone of our induction programme; MakeBelieve Arts bring a real strength to what we do.” (Deputy Headteacher of Prendagast Ladywell Fields College)
Make Year 7’s first day of secondary school a memorable one, as MakeBelieve Arts work with each year 7 form to kick start the new term by helping the pupils settle into their new school through creating a safe, fun and friendly environment. Across the morning, MakeBelieve Arts practitioners will work alongside the form tutor, engaging the class in a spectrum of activities which encourages the pupils use their team working and creative skills to familiarise themselves with their new peers and environment.