The Lower School provides a supportive environment for pupils to both settle into the school and to thrive in all that they do. One of the biggest challenges students can potentially face is the transition from Primary to Secondary school. Here, at The Crypt School, we have a broad range of feeder schools so our extensive induction programme is extremely important to us.
New Year 7 Induction Programme
In March, shortly after the allocation of places, all those who have been offered a place will be invited to a Welcome Webinar.
All students and parents who have been offered a place, and those who achieved a qualifying ranking and might be considering requesting to go on our Waiting List, will be invited to attend. Following the Headmaster's welcome will be presentations from the Head Boy & Head Girl and current Year 7 & 8 students. The Admissions Officer will also give parents information on forthcoming events.
Listen to staff and current Year 8 students highlighting the enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities below:
In May information packs will be sent home to parents, which will include information on uniform, ipads, packs for students, PE, Y7 curriculum, etc.
During May / June - Our Pastoral Team will arrange to meet our new Year 7 students in their current school.
We endeavour to visit every pupil at their Primary School during Year 6 to get to know their interests and to help put their minds at ease. The pupils come into the school in July, have a day of activities and, more importantly, meet their tutor and all of their new classmates.
In June, parents and students will be invited to a Pastoral Parent's Evening. At this evening students will be told their tutor groups, be introduced to their tutor, and spend time together for the first time as a tutor group. Parents will meet with key members of our supportive Pastoral Team and hear how we will look after their child whilst in our care.
During the first full week of July there will be Induction Days. We will invite a tutor group in for a day of activities, which may include participating in some music, art, drama. At the end of the day parents will be invited to a short assembly followed by a time to socialise with each other. Senior staff will also be available.
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At the beginning of September all Year 7 are invited into school for before the remainder of the school cohort starts. Later in academic year, the whole of Year 7 and their tutors go on a 3 day residential. The main focus of this is to secure new friendships and to take part in team building activities.
Volunteering to become a Student librarian in Year 7 helped my confidence and being part of a group made me feel very welcome – this role helped me to settle into school life quickly! - Muhammad, Yr 8
It’s an exciting time, and one where students are starting to develop their confidence and independence. The Crypt School is supportive, with teachers who will help set you on the path to success. Our teachers really get to know the students and look to build positive working relationships with all students and parents in those vital first few years of Secondary school life. Find out more about the typical day of a lower school student!
Everyone was really welcoming. For example, when I walked past the basketball hoops with my friends the Year 10s stopped playing and let us past. - Elle, Yr 8
All pupils study a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes Maths, Science and English, as well as the humanities subjects, foreign languages, Design Technology, ICT and Food Technology and PE. In Year 9, pupils will begin their GCSE courses in Science and RE, whilst other subjects will begin to teach the skills needed to succeed at GCSE level.
The House system is particularly important part of Lower School life. We have a strong culture of praise and pupils earn merits for excellent contributions both inside and out of the classroom.
We appreciate moving to Senior School can be a challenge and pride ourselves on ensuring we make this a smooth process.