A 10 day summer school was offered to all incoming Year 7 students (300 in total), from Monday 26th July-Friday 6th August 2021. A particular effort was made to engage more vulnerable students and parents of these students were reminded of the opportunity to attend.
The summer school focused on 3 key aims:

• Familiarisation with Plymstock School
• Engage pupils in a range of academic and enrichment opportunities
• Establish strong positive relationships with pupils and families

The summer school focused on the transition from primary to secondary school which we felt was especially important as the summer term transition days were cancelled; and to aid educational recovery following COVID-19, both academically and in terms of personal development, focusing on wellbeing.
The summer school curriculum comprised lessons in English, Maths, Science, Humanities and MFL as well as enrichment activities in Sport, Team Building, Arts and Crafts and Drama.
The students attended a briefing at the start of each day and a celebration event at the end of the second week. All staff and students met at lunch time to eat together and came back together at the end of the day to reflect and depart.

Each morning students registered and placed in their groups. Parents of students who had signed up but not arrived were contacted as a matter of safeguarding. The most common reason for non-attendance was change of holiday plans due to the easing of COVID restrictions by the government.

Feedback from parents was sought at the end of each week on Friday 30th July and Friday 6th August

Parent Feedback
‘I feel the summer school has been a massive help for my son’s transition to secondary school. It has eased his worries and he has a new found confidence. Thank you to all staff involved’
‘Brilliantly organised and well executed. She has loved it and is very much looking forward to starting at Plymstock in September’
‘It’s has been great and I’m sure will make September less daunting. Thank you, much appreciated’

Student Feedback
‘Summer School is AMAZING! I really enjoyed summer school is was good. I made friends and it’s awesome. Group 2 Dodgeball Champions’ – Hollie
‘At the end of Year 6, I was nervous about secondary school but now I am excited for it. I have really enjoyed it’ – Ben
‘I have really enjoyed Summer School and am glad that my mum convinced me to come. I loved all of the lessons but I definitely enjoyed going to the library the most as I really enjoy reading! Thank you for this opportunity’ – Maisie