Year 6 to 7 transition FAQs

• How will my child know where to go on the first day?

  Plenty of staff will be on hand to meet your child at the front gate and direct them to the appropriate place.  Transition Ambassadors will also be there to escort students.

• Will they need PE kit on the first day?

  No, the first PE lesson will not involve changing into kit.

• Will they get lockers?

  Lockers are allocated on a first come, first served basis.  There is a deposit of £15 to pay and they will keep the same locker for the duration of their time at Kingsdown.

• What do they do about getting lunch?

  Students can get food from one of the 4 serving locations or bring packed lunch. They will pay by using their thumb print linked to their account which you will need to top up in advance.

• How will my child find their way around school?

  Lots of staff will be out and about at lesson changeover to ensure that students know where to go.  They will also be provided with a map of the buildings. All staff where a high viz jacket during lesson changeover.

• What if my child forgets something?

  Teachers will be understanding in the early weeks of the term.  If they need something important, the Year Office can contact home for it to be sent in.

• Where can I get the uniform and what are the expectations?

  Your child is expected to wear the new school uniform. You can purchase this on several dates throughout term 6 at the “pop up shop” at Kingsdown School.

• How much homework will my child get?

  It may vary a little, but a couple of pieces of homework a night on average. This is accessible on Show My Homework which can be accessed on the home page of the website.

• What are the rules on mobile phones?

  Students are not encouraged to have mobile phones in school. If it is seen or heard by a member of staff, it will be confiscated. Students can collect it from the main reception at the end of the day but on the third occasion, we request parents to collect it. They can go to the Year Office should they need to contact home.

• What if my child is ill before school / during the school day?

  If your child is ill before school, you may decide to send them.  You can ring in to alert the Year Office.  If they become ill during the school day, they should go to first aid.  They will then be assessed and you will be contacted if it is necessary.

• What equipment will they need?

  A full uniform and equipment list is printed in the planner.  They should have a pencil case with pens, (including a green pen), pencil, sharpener, rubber, ruler and scientific calculator.  A glue stick is often a useful addition.

• What is the school planner and how will my child use it?

  The planner is a communication tool between home and school.  Your child is expected to write any prep work that they have in the planner.  If you wish to update us about any absence or other information, you can use the planner to write in a note.

• What can my child do if they are upset or having friendship issues?

  They can talk to any member of staff, their tutor, or go to the Year Office.

• Where can my child find out about extra-curricular clubs?

  There will be information in tutor rooms and circulated around year offices and in assemblies.

• What time does my child need to be at school?

  All students need to be on site for 8.30am each day.

• Where can I find the schools key dates and information?

  The website is regularly updated with key information.

• What if my child loses something at school?

  Please ensure all clothing and equipment is clearly named. Lost property goes to the front office where students can go to claim items.

• How do I pay for my child’s school dinner / school trips?

  You can make electronic payments through our cashless system, ParentPay, for Kingsdown School activities.  We will send you a letter on transition day detailing the unique user ID and password to access your secure online ParentPay account. 
  Not everyone can pay online, and parents who want to pay cash can easily do so using the PayPoint system through one of the stores that operate in the Kingsdown community:

  • Oxford & Swindon Co-op, 204-206 Beechcroft Road, SN2 7QQ
  • Co-operative, Windbrook Meadow, SN3 4UA
  • Meadowcroft Express, 61 Meadowcroft, SN2 7LA
  • Queensfield Store, 92-94 Queensfield, SN2 7SY
  • Co-op Stratton St Margaret, Hyde Road, SN2 7SE

  
  

  For PayPoint you will need to take your bar coded letter for any payment due. If you have any queries or difficulties making payments using these methods, please do not hesitate to contact hbrown@kingsdownschool.co.uk or visit the website www.parentpay.com.

• What happens if my child loses their tie?

  Your child can purchase a tie direct from our uniform supplier for £5 +P&P.