Preparing children for life beyond The Mead

One fundamental part of our school ethos is preparing children for the future. Every year, we say goodbye to our Year 6 children as they move on to their secondary schools and want to ensure we have done everything possible to make this transition smooth, sending Mead alumni out into the world as leaders in all they do. 

Leadership within the school

To help with this transition, the children in Year 6 have taken on more responsibility over the past year, becoming Captains (in sports, school houses and performing arts), regularly helping the younger years, leading carol concerts, showing prospective parents fondly around the school and being bestowed particular final-year privileges. A child confident in handling responsibility will likely attract more of it in the future and the opportunities accompanying it. We believe that by instilling the true traits of leadership – accountability, empathy, honesty, diplomacy – the children will be well-equipped in whichever endeavours they wish to pursue beyond the Mead. 

Celebrating every child

The children are given many opportunities to achieve their potential and celebrate success. They participate in ISA Drama shows, Maths Challenges, Music/Ballet/Judo examinations, sporting events and of course, the upcoming prize giving. We frequently receive positive news about Meadites at secondary school settling in quickly and being recognised for their confidence.

Lessons beyond the classroom

Year 6 has participated in tailored workshops to cover extra-curricular topics relevant to them in the years to follow. They started the term by completing their Bikeability cycle training and then had sessions with Kent Safety in Action on personal safety and awareness. The Crossway community delivered workshops focusing on mental health, self-belief and strategies they can fall back on, with steps to take if they feel overwhelmed. 

Lifelong Friendship Bonds

Lastly, Year 6 are just now finishing their three-day trip to Bowles activity centre. Activities included (but were not limited to) cycling through the forest, archery, rock climbing, bouldering, kayaking (in a massive thunderstorm!) and galvanising their bonds of friendship before going to the next stage of education.