Aureus School in Didcot welcomed prospective pupils and their families for its annual Post Offers Evening, designed to support the transition of Year 6 students preparing to join the school in September.
Around 160 incoming pupils, along with their carers and family members, attended the event, which offered an opportunity to explore the school environment, meet staff and connect with current students.
The evening forms part of the school’s wider approach to easing the transition from primary to secondary education.
Headteacher Kirsty Rogers said: “This event is a way to bring together our new families early on. It gives us an opportunity to meet everyone who got a place at our school, and our students talk our rising Year 7s through their transition experience.
“This helps our rising Year 7s feel safe, and become familiar with their new surroundings. It is also an opportunity to see others who are joining the school, and for families to talk to each other.”
The evening began with an informal meet-and-greet, where families gathered in the dining hall for refreshments and conversation. Attendees then moved into the main hall for a welcome address and a series of presentations led by current Year 7 pupils, who shared their own experiences of starting at Aureus.
Three students spoke candidly about their transition from primary school, reflecting on initial concerns and how they quickly settled into school life. The event also featured a performance by the school choir, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
Mrs Rogers continued: “We start with an informal meet and greet… Then we bring them into the hall, where I welcome them to the first day of their Aureus journey.
“I hand over to my current Year 7s, who talk through transition days, their first day in September, and why they love Aureus… I then go back to talk to them about how they have now joined the family, and we look at their future aspirations… and ask them to start thinking about what they will be involved in.”
The event was organised by Deputy Head Pastoral Vicki Knight, alongside Head of Year 7 and Transition Callie Fisher.
Mrs Rogers added: “The student speeches were incredible… Events like this are important to ensure we support our families with their transition to secondary.”
