Secondary School Induction day

ds2 had his induction day today. It went well. Afterwards he talked about it for about an hour solidly! He lost his purse and his dinner money in the morning, so his form teacher lent him some money for lunch but someone picked up the wallet and handed it in. So it was returned....

by the HT in front of ALL the parents at the front of the assembly hall.

DS had his last week, just him and a girl from his school in the 240 kids! He had to wear current uniform (although I did tone down the private school look and sent him in long trousers and minus the tank top) and take a drink, snacks and a pencil case. Lunch was free (they use a cashless system and couldn't adapt it for one day). Most mums walked them to the door where the teachers took charge.
Anyway he had a good time & made a new friend already, which since he's a really shy boy is good going. Has made us all a lot less anxious.
We have a parents information evening tonight so will see how that goes.

I would take him but drop him close to the school, a little away from the gates so he can walk in on his own. There will probably be teachers or TAs on every gate directing them where to go.

When I worked as a TA the year 6s would have an extended 'meet the tutor/form' session first of all, possibly an assembly as well. A tour around the school so they can find toilets, canteen etc. And the rest of the time would be 'normal' lessons, possibly using their actual timetable for september.

Contact the new school if you have any questions (not the primary, as they won't have all the information for every secondary school).

I always remember DD saying "The bell rang and 1000 people ran past!!"

She did go to a HUGE school (1600+)

They tend to do a fun science experiment, PE (but tell you if you need a kit) a language taster etc. All fun lessons and a good chance to start to make new friends.

Exciting times

These tend to be different at different schools so you can't know without asking.

Just phone the admissions person at the school and ask what he needs to bring and what will happen. They're there to help you.

My ds went to one where he needed to bring a pencil case, trainers and lunch/money. He was put in his form group, met his teacher, had some lessons, lunch time, got an idea of where stuff was, asked questions etc. Was 9.30 -2pm

The other school (which he didn't go to) was only 2 hours and he didn't need to bring anything.

If the school is local and lots going there may be transport arranged, otherwise you will have to get him there and back himself.

£5 for lunch?! That's a fortune!
At ds1's school a main meal is about £1.60.

Their school is a bus ride away, so dh will take ds2 on the bus tomorrow. They don't start until 9.30, so can't just follow the crowd from the bus stop to school.

At their school they get to meet their new form tutor and the others in their form, and spend some time together finding out about the school. They also have a couple of sample lessons. Lunchtime is very important - finding out how the canteen works and where they can go/what they can do at lunchtime. In the afternoon there is a meeting for parents/assembly led by the HT, which the students attend as well.

HTH

My dd has got her induction tomorrow and wednesday. I am going to drop her off in the morning about a 5 minute walk away. She has arranged to meet a couple of friends.
They are expected to take new books with them and will actually work whilst they are there.

The (limited) info that I have for DS's induction day is to send him in primary school uniform, drop him at 8.30, pick him up at 3.00 and give him £5.00 for lunch / snacks and drinks.

He's fortunate that there are quite a big group going from his primary - it still won't stop me fretting though.

I dropped ds off at the gate. His was the only blue jumper in a sea of red and green ones . In the afternoon, the mums came in for a talk in the hall then collected the children.

I think it can actually be a good chance to try out the route they will be taking in September - you could let them off on their own if that's feasible or accompany them if it is a bit tricky. Maybe he could arrange to meet his friend at the school gates?

It's just a chance to meet their form tutor and have a look round the school. Saves them worrying about it too much over the summer holidays. I'd say send him on his own if that's how he will get there in September.

Dd2 has hers soon. She will be going on the school bus. If you have any questions ask his primary school. I do sometimes think schools assume you will know what to do (because they do it every year). Good that you ds isn't worried about it - he'll be fine.