On Thursday 11 and Friday 12 July 2019 we welcomed over 200 Year 6 (new Year 7) pupils for their two Induction Days. The Class of 2023 joined us in full spirits, eager to find out more about Deer Park and keen to learn.

During the first hour on Thursday, pupils met their tutor, undertook orientation of the school and started getting to know other members of their tutor group. Our thanks to the (new) Year 8 pupils who shadowed their classes and provided support throughout the day. After the first hour of orientation, our newest pupils moved straight into their first secondary school lessons, following their timetable ready for the September start. They were in Science, Languages, Humanities, ICT, Design, English, Maths and PE.

On Thursday evening we welcomed parents and pupils into school for their Induction Evening, which included a performance by two tutor groups singing the French alphabet, which they had learnt in lessons earlier that day. Four pupils were brave enough to stand on stage and reflect on their experiences of both that Induction Day and the Primary Challenge event held earlier in the month.

Friday was a normal school day for the pupils, meeting new teachers and being in new teaching groups throughout the day.

Senior Year Leader (Year 7) Mrs Hannis said "As always, it was lovely to welcome our new Year 7s to Deer Park for their Induction Days and to see them and their parents at the Induction Evening.  The highlight of the evening was of course our video montage showcasing snippets of their day. Watching  children make new friends and become more confident, in themselves and their ability to find their way around the site, is great to see. We have been immensely impressed at the resilience shown by our new pupils, they have embraced this change and made the most of every single minute. At breaks and lunchtimes it was particularly touching to see our current pupils looking out for their siblings, family members and former school attendees. We hope that everyone had a great time and we look forward to seeing them again in September!"

Mr Bellamy, Pastoral Team Leader, commented "I have to say that all pupils were impeccably behaved and have set exceptionally high expectations for the future. I hope all pupils joining us in September have an enjoyable and well-earned break and we look forward to welcoming them back to Deer Park on Tuesday 3 September 2019."

Our parents and pupils are great advocates for Deer Park and this comment from a New Year 7 Parent is no exception: "Thank you so much for a fantastic Induction Day today. It was so well organised and [my son] came back home talking more about his exciting lessons than I’ve ever heard him talk about school, ever! The teachers must have done a fabulous job of inspiring the children. Please do pass on my thanks to the teachers for a fabulous Induction Day and Primary Challenge Day." 

Pupil comments included one girl asking if she really had to go back to her Primary School for the last week as she would much rather be coming here straight away!

We appreciate that the transition from primary to secondary school can be a cause of anxiety for both parents and pupils, but our two Induction Days in July, where pupils follow their timetables and get to know the school and their tutor group, help immensely. Pupils finish their two days with us on a high and spend the summer looking forward to their next step in September.

As one of our Class of 2019 parents commented: "I still clearly remember the enthusiasm and energy of our son after both his Primary Challenge Day and the two Induction Days; he was so ready to move on from primary school and so excited about making new friends and stepping up to secondary school. Having sat his GCSEs this summer, and now ready to move on to study A levels, at Cirencester College, I can honestly say that we have never had any doubts about his 5 years at Deer Park. Pupils have access to so many opportunities, whatever their interests, and he has flown!"

If you require further information regarding the admissions process, please email us at enquiries@deerparkschool.net or contact Allison Boucher, Head’s PA at the School on 01285 646558, who will be happy to talk you through the process or arrange a tour of the school.