Starting a new school or transitioning into a new year group is an exciting time providing opportunity, adventure, and growth, but it can also be a little daunting. As students step into WHS and move through the school, we endeavour to help each individual feel known, supported, confident and able to shine. We achieve this through a robust Induction Strategy, as well as an excellent Wellbeing education in the GROW Programme, where students can explore and build a toolkit for managing and embracing change throughout their school career and beyond.
Below are some of the fundamental strategies we use to prepare WHS students to transition between various key points in their education.
Getting to know the girls and Induction Events:
It is a community team effort to welcome and support new girls as well as those moving into their next stage in the school. Getting to know incoming students is a crucial part of the induction process: alongside the highly experienced staff on our Pastoral and Teaching Teams, the Student Leaders and Buddies also play an active role in helping students find their feet at Senior School.
We have a series of induction events that happen both in the Summer Term and at the start of the Autumn Term to ensure all new girls are supported to have a positive and confident start. Additionally, the new Y7 and Y12 also embark on a ‘Night under the stars’ at the very start of term where they enjoy team building and getting to know one another amongst nature.
Positive Psychology and Motivational Maps:
Positive Psychology focusses on an individual’s strengths, and we make use of it as part of our GROW programme, providing tools for Student Wellbeing during key transitions. We have used most recently used Motivational Maps, where students can explore their personal motivation with a mentor and set goals according to their individual report. Find out more here: https://www.thinkingmatters.com/motivational-maps-motivation.
Co-Curricular Programme and Houses:
Co-curricular activities are a very important part of ensuring all students settle into WHS, where they can learn different skills, build friendships, and find themselves in a state of flow. We have an extensive range of clubs on offer and the programme is a perfect way for students to make an active choice about how they spend their free time as part of the wider school community.
Similarly, everyone belongs to one of the four Houses where they can make vertical connections in fun inter-house competitions throughout the year, as well as in their fortnightly House Form sessions.
The Parent-Student-School Triangle:
While Senior School is all about students finding their independence, strong communication and teamwork between parents, students, and the school is vital during times of transition. We maintain regular contact with parents in a plethora of ways, and always enjoy welcoming parents into the school for various events including talks from pastoral experts, throughout the year. It is important to us that parents feel part of the community and are confident that their daughter is in safe hands.