Hi Year 4 student!

I’m a year 5 pupil at Marden Bridge Middle School and I'm writing to you because you will be moving up to year 5 very soon. I thought it might be helpful if I talked to you about what it's like moving to a new school, one which is a bigger school. If you're feeling a bit cautious and worried, please don’t and I hope this letter changes your mind about Middle School.

I came from a very small first school called Coquet Park First School. I was very worried about lots of things like new teachers, the size of the school, making new friends, missing old friends over all, I really was worried.

On my first day at middle school I was petrified, I mean it's scary walking into a new school with lots of new faces surrounding you. I didn't want to be late. Of course I was scared about new people in my class too. I didn’t need to worry though, the first day was fine. The new teachers were kind and made us feel welcome, we had buddies who showed us around. Our buddy stayed with us for a couple of weeks until we got to know where everything was. I made new friends and was very comfortable. I have lots of new friends now.

I was really sad because my best friend went to anther middle school but I still see her every weekend at dancing, we still have regular sleepovers and Facetime most days.

I'm not the best at advice but don't worry even if you're scared it's an opportunity to make new and amazing friends and still have your great old ones.

Yours truly,

Pupil from 5CC (ex Coquet)

Dear Pupil in Year 4,

I am a pupil at Marden Bridge middle school and today I am going to write about the big move up to our school and try to make you feel better about it!

When I went to Marden Bridge I was one of a few kids from my first school so I felt worried about that, the other thing I was worried about was how big the school is and making new friends.

When I got to Marden Bridge I quickly made new friends, therefore I felt a lot more relaxed because I had all my new friends to help me out. I also quickly got used to the size of the school and the layout.

One of the other things I enjoyed was the range of different clubs like tennis, football, athletics and chess.

The advice that I’d give to you would be don’t think about it too much and to just relax and think about the pros not the cons.

Best wishes and have fun!

A pupil in 5CF (ex Coquet)

Dear Year 4 pupil,

I am writing to you to help you feel welcome at Marden Bridge Middle School.

I came from Coquet Park First School which is quite a small school. I was worried because most of my friends weren't coming to Marden Bridge Middle School with me.

I was worried because I thought that I was going to get lots of homework and that I would be doing it every day and then get stuck behind. The teachers showed you quickly that you have a homework timetable. This meant that you had plenty of time after school to do whatever activities you want to do.

The best thing about Year 5 is spending time at lunch or break with your friends. My advice would be to take every opportunity to make new friends so that you have plenty of people to talk to and hang out with.

I think you will enjoy coming to Marden Bridge Middle School.

Best wishes

A pupil in 5AGR (ex Coquet)

Dear Pupil in Year 4,

I go to Marden Bridge Middle School and I am in Year 5. I got a letter last year from someone in middle school and it made me feel better so I hope this makes you feel better too.

I used to go to Coquet Park First School and now there is only me and 1 other from my First School in my class. I felt shy at first but I didn’t need to because I made new friends from other schools really quickly. The buddy’s in year 8 helped and showed us around the school for the first week or maybe more. This helped me to get to know the school better and find out where my lessons are.

The teachers are very kind which helped because I was very nervous however because the teachers are so nice it made me feel better.

There are lots of clubs you can join to make friends at lunchtime and after school. We have some outdoor equipment at lunchtime too such as hula hoops and tennis rackets with soft balls.

My advice to you is don’t worry, our school is great!

From A Pupil in Year 5 (ex Coquet)