The school is one of few schools in the county to offer the ‘Moving Up Together,’ programme to parents of year six pupils.

The programme consists of four evening sessions for parents and carers of young people about to make the transition from primary into secondary education. The ‘Moving up Together,’ sessions were an opportunity for parents, carers and their children to discuss the issues that may affect them during the transition from primary to secondary school.

The course was organised and led by two members of staff from Bishop Barrington Sports with Mathematics College; Michelle McKenna – Key Stage Three Pupil Link Officer and Paula Marley – Learning Mentor.

They dealt with issues raised by year six parents following a survey. The sessions covered a number of issues including: bullying, e-safety, transition and pressures & stress. The beauty of the programme is that it meets the felt needs of parents. As the sessions have a flexible approach, parents choose to discuss the issues that concern them the most.

The sessions were held over a course of three weeks, during the summer term prior to the young people beginning Bishop Barrington. Following the sessions, the parents provided the school with feedback of their experience and it seems most found it a valuable programme.

“I have found these sessions I attended useful and the staff really informative and approachable. I feel more confident about my child attending Bishop Barrington.”

The course allows parents and carers to share information and to give one another advice. Parents are also given a number of common scenarios to deal with such as issues surrounding instant messaging, sexual health and behaviour. The Pupil Link Officer and Learning Mentor give advice and feedback throughout the whole process, and inform parents of the services available at the school to also help deal with such issues. Parents seemed to find this very comforting.

“It’s good to know there are people you can turn to if needed.”

Furthermore, the school provide parents with advice from professionals in those fields. The school’s qualified counsellor from the Access service offered advice on the pressures and stress that pupils face, Tom Cunningham from the anti-bullying service spoke about bullying and Phil Blackburn from ITSS discussed issues surrounding e-safety.

Bishop Barrington Sports with Mathematics College have found this programme very helpful following feedback from parents and will offer it to Year six parents next year too. Information will be available to parents during Spring term 2010 when information will be distributed to local feeder schools.

Alternatively more information is available from the school on 01388 603307. Furthermore, information will be available during the school’s Open Evening during October 2009.

Mrs. McKenna (Key Stage Three Pupil Link Officer), Sue (school’s qualified councellor) and Paula (learning mentor)