“It has been invaluable in alleviating my child’s nerves and we’re so grateful to all the staff involved” Year 7 Parent 

 

Cohort and Attendance

Due to the additional funding received we were able to offer a weeklong summer school between August 9-13, 2021, aiming to support the transition from primary to secondary school.

All pupils were invited but in tackling any barrier to attendance we additionally reached out to individual key pupils.

Due to the pandemic, several pupils had pre-existing holiday commitments, but we were delighted that on average 178 pupils attended each day.

 

Curriculum content 

Our weeklong summer school was designed to help our pupils experience life at St. Michael’s, develop new routines, make new friends, get to know teachers and, importantly, have fun! Children participated in a variety of lessons including Maths, English, art, science, languages, music, humanities, and PE. These lessons had been designed to start to support academic recovery.

The week was themed around Marcus Rashford’s book ‘You are a Champion’. To support reading each child received their own copy of the book. We read sections together and unpacked key themes through all subjects.

We invested in tablets to maximise engagement in online resources to support skills in maths.

 

Wellbeing

As new members of "Team Saint Michael's" we intentionally aimed to build a new Year 7 community from our 50+feeder primary schools. The funding allowed us to provide catering for the whole week, encouraging pupils to experience community through eating together.

 In addition to our academic provision, the funding allowed pupils to take part in a 40 minute "daily special” activity

- Pupils received a skipping rope and were taught new styles of skipping to promote a healthy lifestyle

- We were delighted to host Wigan Warriors who led rugby skill sessions

- Pupils were taught hula-hooping skills

- Every child received a set of juggling balls and attended a circus skills workshop

- Science Made Simple presented a science roadshow

 

Funding and Spend

Staffing

£35,339.55

Curriculum resources and external presenters

£8,400.14

Additional Curriculum ICT

£11,557.50

Catering and cleaning

£5,200.00     

 

 

Total

£60,497.19

 

Feedback

101 parents responded to the survey

The following responses represent strongly agree/ agree to the following statements:

100% I have enjoyed my week at summer school

 94% I have had the opportunity to make new friends at summer school

 96 % I feel more confident about what to expect in lessons

100% I feel more confident about starting at St. Michael's in September

 

“The summer school has been fantastic and I really can’t thank the staff enough for what they have provided for the children. My child is now raring to go and very excited about beginning year 7 in September. He’s met lots of new friends and is now confident at navigating his way around the school. St Michael’s is such a wonderful school and we are looking forward to seeing our third child become the best that they can be. Thank you”  Year 7 Parent

 

“I really enjoyed summer school because it was loads of fun and entertaining. I liked that it was lessons too as you get to know the routine. It was lovely to meet teachers and I made new friends. I can’t wait to start in September” Year 7 Pupil

“This has been a brilliant experience for my child, he has loved coming and has given him such a positive introduction to St Michaels, which has provided a huge confidence boost. Thank you!” Year 7 Parent

“My child was not really looking forward to summer school before it started, but he has had the most amazing time. He came home enthusiastic and happy every day. Thank you so much!”  Year 7 Parent