Moving Schools?
Are you thinking of moving schools? This can be an enormous decision and one that inevitably brings anxiety to all concerned. The greatest anxiety that children generally feel is concern as to how they will fit in and whether they will be able to make friends. Many children also seem to worry that they will be singled out or bullied as the newest arrival. Our experience is that at Staveley, these fears are quickly forgotten and children soon settle in as though they had always been here. We generally admit between 10 and 15 additional children per year into the school, so new additions are not unusual in any way. In any given class there will usually be someone else who hasn't been with us too long.
Below we have collected some comments from recent 'new' children. We asked them a few questions and here are their unaltered responses.
Christopher Class 5
When I came here I was worried about the way I would fit in. When I walked into the class, the first thing that happened was I was shown round the school by George and he has been my friend ever since. The main thing I was worried about was not having any friends and being bullied. Staveley School is wonderful! I have three wonderful friends and I have never been bullied. I would recommend the school to anyone, especially to anyone with not many friends.
Frances Class 5
When I started Staveley School I wasn't too worried about finding people to play with because I had already made some friends on my taster day. I couldn't believe it on my first day when my teacher came up to me on my first day and asked me how my cello exam had gone after remembering from two months before. I thought it was very thoughtful. There is nothing I would have changed about my first day at Staveley.
Anon Class 3
When I started I was scared that I wouldn't get along with anyone and that nobody would like me. I was wrong, this is a great school and loads of people like me.
Anon Class 4
I was worried that I wouldn't fit in and I was worried I might be behind but I wasn't. I am not worried anymore and I have a lovely teacher.
Hayley Class 3
I felt scared but because my cousin is in my class, she looked after me. Then she introduced me to other people and I made lots of friends.
Callum Class 4
I felt scared because I didn't know anybody and I also thought I might have got lost lost because I hadn't been there before. I didn't know the teachers' names so I didn't know what to say in assembly or register. I didn't know if I was going to get bullied at playtime or in class time. When I first got there I was worried but after a little while I felt like I fitted in.
These are a small sample of the experiences of many children. This is an easy school in which to settle and we place the very highest priority on each child's happiness.