Transition
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to you and your child to Darwen Aldridge Community Academy. We are pleased that your child will be joining us in September 2023.
We hope that joining DACA will be the start of an exciting educational journey, where your child makes the most of all of the opportunities available at the Academy and that they will remain with us into our successful sixth form.
We know that the transition to secondary school can be both an exhilarating and sometimes daunting time for children and families. The opportunity to learn new subjects, take part in new activities and make new friends is often met with great excitement. It is vital to ensure that every child has a positive experience during the transition to the secondary phase.
At DACA, we have an experienced transition team who are here to help you and your child. We have a dedicated Head of Year responsible for transition, who, along with the SLT Team, Pastoral Team and SENDCo, ensure that your child is made to feel welcome and secure every step of the way. We engage with partner primary schools, students and parents to ensure that moving to DACA is as smooth and as comfortable as possible.
Transition days this year are scheduled for 5th to 7th July where your child will experience days in the life of a DACA student, meet their tutor and tutor group and participate in tasters to a variety of lessons. We have completed transition days previously which have been highly successful and meant that our current Year 7 students experienced a really smooth and positive start to Academy life.
During the summer term, our team of staff will meet with teachers and staff at all of the primary schools. This is a great opportunity to discuss academic and pastoral information with Year 6 teachers so that we place students in appropriate teaching groups and tutor groups. If you would like to discuss any issues in person and in advance, then please contact either Miss A.Walsh or the SENDCo, Mrs K. Gould.
Year 6 Parents Welcome Evening Presentation
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KEY CONTACTS
Miss A. Walsh - Head of Year 7 - amy.walsh@daca.uk.com
Mrs R. Lewis – Vice Principal rachel.lewis@daca.uk.com
Mrs K Gould – SENDCo – kate.gould@daca.uk.com
We will keep in contact with you between now and the end of the academic year. Additionally, an information pack will be sent out to you at the beginning of June, which will provide you with details of our uniform and PE kit suppliers and further information about this year’s transition programme.
Please also remember to accept your place on the admissions website so that we can confirm your child’s place.
If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Walsh
Yours faithfully,
Mrs Bailey, Principal
Calendar of Transition activities
1st March – You will receive your Secondary School place. Please remember to log in to the admissions website to accept your place.
7th March – Welcome letter will be sent home with key contacts.
19th March – Invitation to Transition Club will be sent out with more information about DACA.
26th April – Transition Club begins and additional SEND transition begins.
26th May – Parent handbook sent home.
13th June – Final information sent about Transition Days and which tutor groups and houses children are in.
12th June to 30th June – Miss Walsh visits all Primary Schools to meet the children and speak to Year 6 teachers.
5th to 7th July – Transition Days.
7th July – Parent’s evening.
14th July – Passport to DACA sent to students to complete over summer