MOVING from primary to secondary school can be a scary experience for children so with this in mind Commonweal School embarked on a three day project to make the transition a little less traumatic for pupils joining in September.

The Social Science and Music departments worked together Mel Hall is the school’s Transitions person, to plan a day with the theme 'Journeys'.

“We chose this theme because the students are about to embark on a new chapter in their life when they start at secondary school so to reflect on this is important. The social science learning focused on the most difficult and dangerous journeys to school globally," said Lottie ‘O’Brien Social Science teacher.

There are children in many different parts of the world who, every day, have to go on a difficult journey in order to get to their lessons. They travel for kilometres on foot, or by boat, bicycle, donkey or train. They cross deserts, mountains, rivers, snow and ice. We talked about why students would do this and the importance of education. The day had different elements including singing, art and dance. It was a very enjoyable day and are looking forward to welcoming the students in September,”

The music element of challenge day was focused around the voice and how to create soundscapes with their voices with added body percussion.

Students worked in small groups to compose their own pieces and eight were selected to be performed to the whole year group at the end of the day.

“We were amazed by the confidence of the students and their ability to just get stuck in and create music. We also spent time singing and the students thoroughly enjoyed singing ‘Seven Years’ in classes and as a whole year group and also having a go at lots of other songs. We had some soloists who were awesome and confidently got up to sing in front of the year group and we are excited to have many of the Year 6s join our music clubs in September,” said Ali Sutcliffe, head of Expressive Arts.

“Transition is all about working together, and Commonweal staff and Yr 10 officials have been fantastic ” said Mel.

Yr 6 will have another opportunity to get used to the school when they have the option to come along to Summer School at Commonweal during the last week of the Summer hols.

6086 the journey through dance

6247 – Yr 10 helpers l – R,

6242,6238, 6231 – Yr 6 learn how to use the voice as an instrument

6227, 6225, 6223 understanding how children globally make their way to school

6206 Mrs Lottie O Brien explains how children from across the globe make dangerous

journeys everyday just to get to school

6173 – Emma Tcach and Alice Owen Yr 6 girls from Lethbridge School discuss this dangerous route to school

6155 teacher Gary Nash ran an art class on Aboriginal symbols.

6150 – Yr 10 student Calum Little helping Yr 6 with their symbols.