Welcoming First Years: Activities foster a positive transition
The first half term of the academic year has passed and the First Years have relished getting involved in the wide range of activities that have been organised to help them make the transition into secondary school.
During a team building day devised by WiseUp Team Building, the new pupils had to work together to think about the various ways they can contribute to the team – be it by taking the lead or in a different role.
Activities included using drainpipes to get a ball to travel to the finish point, moving an object using ropes and using their communication skills to guide blindfolded pupils into a pen.
Oscar Spencer commented: “WiseUp Team Building was loads of activities put into a little competition. I worked with a lot of new people and felt as though the whole day was everyone being friendly to each other. My favourite activity was the ‘helium stick’ which was everyone putting their fingers on a metal rod and trying to get it on the floor. For some, it just kept going up! At the end we found out which team won as we were graded on each activity.”
Charlotte Caine said: “I think the team building day was great fun. The hover ball activity was stressful, but it helped us to work as a team and communicate. Every class got spilt in half, preventing us from sticking with the same groups of people. I talked and worked with new people, so I think it boosted people’s minds and maybe even boosted people’s confidence. It made us talk and help new people.”
Esther Oluwakayode added: “The team building activities were entertaining and encouraged us to work together.”
At the Activities Fair in the Hallam Hall the girls and boys got to find out more about the extensive co-curricular provision on offer at Stockport Grammar School.
Clubs that had stalls included Poetry Slam, Dungeons and Dragons, Animal Club, Model United Nations, STEM, Tactical Games and Family History. Music, dance, drama and sport clubs were also some of the activities that the pupils could sign up for.
Halle Roberts said: “Everyone at the Activities Fair was very social and open to you joining their clubs. They made you feel welcome.”
The final planned adventure for the year group was a fun trip to Lyme Park.
The weather held off as the pupils spent the day exploring the grounds of the historic house, taking in the stunning views and competing in games.
Zach Atenyam said: “The walk was good because we could chat with new people. It was challenging at times because of the weather but we got to see some great views.”
Lara Sykes commented: “I really liked the trip to Lyme Park because I loved the activities that we did and how much fun it was to make new friends in other classes. I loved seeing the cage and all the deer and playing hide and seek in the woods was amazing as we got to explore and play.”
