Ready for the real world - Pocklington School’s freely available ‘transition resources hub’ prepares students for their next steps

Pocklington School, near York, has developed a unique collection of transition resources to help engage and prepare Year 11 and Year 13 students for the next steps in their education and development. This wide-ranging selection of resources has already been shared with partner secondary schools in the local area and they are now freely available online to anyone who would like to access them.

The closure of schools in March due to the coronavirus pandemic brought a great deal of uncertainty for pupils across the country, not least for Year 11 and Year 13 students who have potentially missed out on opportunities to develop the skills required for success in Sixth Form studies and beyond.

Prepared by Pocklington School’s team of specialist teachers, the transition resources hub is designed to help Year 11 students bridge the gap between their current studies and those they will begin in September, and help Year 13 students develop skills and qualities in readiness for their move into university, apprenticeships or employment. It is hoped that engagement in these materials will foster confidence in students as they take their next steps and provide a firm foundation for success at a time of uncertainty.

All of the resources are available online at https://pocklington.fireflycloud.net/transition-pa... and include specific information relating to different academic subjects, advice on study skills, careers information and ‘how to’ guides, tips on life skills such as managing finances and a focus on developing leadership skills. From podcasts, video links, documentaries, and suggested reading lists to interactive games, Power Point presentations and quizzes, the hub can be accessed free of charge by anyone.

Laura Powell, Curriculum Director and Head of Sixth Form commented: “Taking the next step in your education, whether on to Sixth Form study or on to post-18 options, is an exciting stage for students but one where it is crucial to be well-prepared and well-informed. Exploring what will be expected of you – whether in terms of knowledge and understanding, wider academic and life skills, or personal qualities – and accessing the advice and guidance of experts are essential parts making those next steps less daunting. Our own students have found these resources invaluable in supporting their preparations for the future, and we are excited to share them with the wider community to help more students move forward with confidence.”

Toby Seth, Headmaster at Pocklington School said: “We are delighted to share this programme with the wider community at a time when pulling together is vital to support all children’s education. Whilst it is encouraging to see pupils returning to schools, albeit in a limited fashion, there is little doubt that the lockdown period and closure of schools will lead to some children’s educational progress suffering. We at the Pocklington School Foundation are eager to do whatever we can to avoid this. We also have plans to provide similar support to primary pupils later this half term.”