Year 8 Induction at RBAI

Introduction

At RBAI, we recognise that the transition from Primary School to Secondary School is a significant and formative stage in the social and educational life of each of our pupils.  It is important to us that this transition is managed successfully and happily so that they can enjoy and profit from their time at school.

 The Induction Meeting for New Pupils and their Parents

The first event in the Induction Programme is the Induction Meeting which is held in June.  The aim of this event is to welcome our new pupils and their families into the ‘Inst’ community and to address any concerns that they have at this stage.  It is an opportunity to introduce the ethos of the school and to invite boys to participate in a number of sporting activities over the summer period.   At this meeting our guests are provided with two publications; one for the pupil, the other for the parents, through which we hoped to further prepare the family for their new school.  In doing so, our intention is to alleviate as many of their worries as possible.   

This event also provides the opportunity for pupils and their parents to meet staff as well as other new families entering the school community. 

 The First Day at School in August

For their first day at RBAI Year 8 boys are invited into school the day before the start of the official school year.  This gives them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the campus and carry out a number of tasks in a setting that is entirely focused on them.

 The Residential Trip

The next event in the Induction Programme is the residential trip to a local activity centre.  On this trip pupils are given the opportunity to engage in a number of adventurous activities through which they develop new friendships, apply skills in team working and communication and experience an environment within which they can identify their own strengths and weaknesses.  Further, pupils’ confidence and self-esteem is raised through personal challenge whilst participating in the activities. 

This year the programme ran over a period of two days during which boys took part in four activities; Canoeing, Archery, High Ropes and Climbing.  When it came to Canoeing, it seemed to me that the main objective for the boys was to get as wet as they could and to spend as much time as possible in the water rather than in the canoe! 

Climbing was a favourite activity for many boys.  It was incredible to watch them on the climbing wall where some were fearless, yet others, through sheer determination, overcame their fears.  Everyone, including several members of staff, were delighted to complete this activity and a real sense of achievement was felt by everyone.   

Archery was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  Accuracy and skills were developed and encouraged by a little healthy competition. This became particularly apparent when certain members of staff joined in!

The High Ropes course was used to facilitate a task where boys were challenged to build a tower of crates on top of which four boys did there best not to fall off.  Each of the four boys were roped up whilst the other members of the team were either belaying or working to build the tower.  This was an opportunity for boys to get to know each other and to work together towards a common goal.  It was through this activity that many boys discovered their natural aptitude for leadership and there was an insightful realization in some cases that listening and communicating are exceptionally valuable skills.

The residential continues to be the highlight of the induction process and an event which staff and boys alike thoroughly enjoy.

The Year 8 Mentoring Scheme

The Year 8 Mentoring Scheme is a form of peer support offered by Year 14 pupils.  It has been introduced with the expert knowledge and experience of ChildLine, through their outreach programme ChildLine in Partnerships (CHIPS). Put simply, peer support is about making pupils feel safe and supported by other pupils within the school.  

The eighteen mentors were selected through a process of application and interview.  ChildLine staff then provided them with the necessary training. The scheme is in its early stages but thus far the mentors are providing Year 8 with invaluable support through regular visits to registration and assembly, a ‘drop-in’ facility at lunchtimes and fortnightly assemblies focusing on issues such as settling into life at RBAI, extra-curricular activities and the ‘work hard, play hard’ ethic at RBAI.  

The scheme is greatly appreciated by the Year 8 boys and the Year 14 boys are benefiting enormously from the experience and welcome the responsibility involved.

 The Year 8 Parents’ Coffee Afternoon

The Parents’ Coffee Afternoon aims to provide parents with an informal occasion, just after their first half term at school, when they can chat to staff and other parents.  We hope that parents will feel they can raise any concerns they have at this time and that any questions can be answered.

This occasion also provides the boys with an opportunity to tell parents about their residential trip.  The boys this year are very much looking forward to the event and the feedback from last year indicates that parents valued the opportunity to discuss their son’s progress both with staff and other parents. 

Conclusion

We believe that the initiatives which form the Induction Programme at RBAI assist and support our new pupils and their parents to settle into school life as easily as possible.  We strive to ensure that any difficulties are resolved and that the boys in Year 8 quickly begin to feel that special ‘Inst’ identity.

Patrick Macalister is a Year 8 pupil who has prepared a Powerpoint presentation all about RBAI, particularly aimed at Year 8 pupils.  To see and download his presentation, CLICK HERE.

Miss E V Gick

Royal Belfast Academical Institution

Year 8 Induction Coordinator