Welcome to the Parent’s/Carer’s area of our website. Here you will find lots of useful information about St Augustine’s. A child starting their secondary school education can be daunting for any parent/carer. We know that as parents of secondary school aged children, this period of their schooling can be just as challenging for you and this section of our website is designed to give you the best advice on making the transition into secondary school a positive one.
As a parent, school life can be quite busy and involved. If you have a child starting in Year 7, here are some of the common challenges and changes that you may have to prepare for:
Morning routines
Parents often must get their children up and ready for school in the morning, which can include making breakfast, packing lunches and ensuring they have all their equipment and PE Kit. Lessons can be different every day with much bigger timetables at Secondary School, so have a copy of their timetable so you can check they have everything they need.
Uniform
This is often one of the most difficult things for a Year 7 student to get right quickly when they are starting school. This could be the first time your child has to wear a buttoned shirt and a tie for example. These items will take time to master so allow more time in the mornings to get ready. Pupils will be expected to bring in their PE Kit on timetabled days and be able to get dressed very quickly. Please ensure all items of uniform and footwear are labelled where possible to ensure any lost property can be returned.
Communication with teachers
At St Augustine’s we have well over 100 members of staff so communicating with teachers may seem more complicated compared with primary school. Your child will have a form tutor and dedicated pastoral staff who you can always contact as your first point of call. You will have the opportunity to meet with these individuals both on transition days and early in the academic year. Parents may need to communicate regularly with their children’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and any issues that arise. This can involve attending parent evenings or the use of MS Teams.
Homework help
Depending on their children’s ages, parents may need to provide homework help or assist with studying for tests/exams. As your child gets older, these will become more difficult and demanding. All our parents will be sent regular emails about the homework that is being set each week by their child’s teacher. Any resources or support you need; you will be able to communicate this through MS Teams directly with your child’s teacher. We have a lot of support available for your child at St Augustine’s, so please get in touch if you need some assistance.
Extended Curriculum
Many pupils participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, music lessons, or clubs. There are a wide range of activities that your child can get involved with and represent the school. All clubs will finish at 4:30pm. Please ensure you are aware of what clubs your child is attending. If your child is playing in a sporting fixture at another school, then you will be contacted by letter for permission, including the finishing time and arrangements for transporting to and from the fixture.
School-related expenses
Parents/Carers may be responsible for purchasing school supplies, additional uniform items, or paying fees for certain activities or events. Where this is required, parent/carers will be notified in advance.
Overall, being a parent involved in school life can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also be time-consuming and demanding. It’s important to find a balance that works for both the parent and the child.
This area will be updated regularly so please keep coming back to check on the latest changes. We are always looking for ways to improve the information we offer parents and carers and welcome your feedback. Please contact us via email if you require any additional information.
