We hope our new Year 7 students have enjoyed their start to The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College in September. We thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at Transition Week and Summer School and celebrate all of the excellent work and achievements from those weeks.

Transition week at English Martyrs got off to an amazing start. Students received their transition welcome pack containing Darren Simpson’s ‘Scavengers’, their summer project read. They were introduced to their summer curriculum projects by form tutors and were given a guided orientation of the school by prefects and Sixth Form students. They enjoyed a selection of taster lessons on the afternoon from the Science, Art, MFL, Geography, Technology and RE departments.

Tuesday was eagerly anticipated as we met Darren Simpson for an Author Event, where students were able to participate in an interactive Q and A session with him. The students came up with some intriguing and challenging questions that impressed us all. I’m sure they can’t wait to find out what happens at the end of the story. Darren commented on how impressed he was with the interaction of the students and he said how humbled he was that we had chosen his book to use at the core of our project!

Wednesday saw students participating in a NERAP - Raising Aspirations - event led by Newcastle University. These workshops challenged students to think about day-to-day activities they’ll encounter in secondary school, as well as encouraging them to consider what they are ultimately working towards in the future; both education and career goals. In addition to this, students took part in an energetic and lively samba drumming session. Students threw themselves into these sessions and we may have even found some acts and talent for our next EMS Live Concert in the summer...!

Aiming high is always on the agenda at EMS and, with this in mind, some of our A Level teachers hosted Psychology, Business, and sign language classes. Staff were very complimentary about how well students engaged with the more challenging material. Well done Year 6!

Here at The English Martyrs Catholic School we pride ourselves on the relationships we have with our primary schools. During our transition week we held a coffee morning for primary headteachers and Year 6 teachers. This was a great way for primary staff to see the amazing work that the students have been doing over the past few days, and for current Year 7 students meet with their old teachers and share their experiences of their first year at EMS. Our art department have been working very closely with our primary schools across the town. Each child coming to EMS had to create a self-portrait using the iPad. Mr Carless, who was in charge of the project, presented our primary staff with a copy of their Y6 cohort project.

Our final day of transition week was bursting with activity. Year 6 students participated in performing arts workshops, sporting events and wellbeing sessions. We can only congratulate the students on their excellent induction, impeccable behaviour and enthusiasm – they gave 100% to all activities on offer.

This year's Summer School was held over 4 days, 25th July – 28th July, and catered for students who were identified as requiring additional transition, prior to September. We worked closely with primary schools to identify students who would benefit from this programme. EMS also collaborated with Hartlepool Borough Council and the HAF Project. We are delighted that they rated us as an ‘excellent’ provider and that parents and students said how useful and fantastic the experience has been. The theme of the project was ‘Journey’, because our students are embarking upon an exciting journey with us to discover new opportunities and to meet new friends. A wide variety of activities were planned by specialist staff and included:

  • Information Technology
  • Food Technology/Healthy Foods
  • Wellbeing Activities
  • Teambuilding
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Music
  • Physical Activities
  • Dance and Singing
  • GeographyWe would like to thank the students for their hard work and commitment during the transition week, and we cannot wait to see you thrive here with us at EMS.

We are always looking for ways to improve our transition programme. Please could we ask that you complete a very short survey - https://forms.office.com/r/yd0C1DqvzD

I hope your child is settling in at EMS and remember I'm always available for help via email mhutchinson@ems.bhcet.org.uk.

Best wishes,
Mr Hutchinson