FAQs
Transition days to Middle Schools
When does this take place?
Transition days are likely to differ depending on which school they are moving to.
GEMS: TBC. This is likely to be the Wednesday and Thursday and possibly the Friday – we are awaiting confirmation from GEMS
How will the children get there?
Parents are responsible for children to and from GEMS each day
Great Park – as yet we do not have any information about transition days and will share this when we receive confirmation.
Middle School
Will they get to choose friends to be with in their new class?
GEMS request that we write down 3 names they would like to be in a class with in Middle school. This can be from either Year 4 class. They will be with at least 1 of these children.
The transition to Great Park is new but we would expect this to be a similar process.
What information will the middle school have about my child?
We liaise very closely with the middle schools and talk to them about individual children. Children with Special Educational Needs and their families are usually given the option of a separate visit prior to starting school. Please contact the middle school directly to speak to their SENDCo
Robinwood Residential
Which staff will be taking the children on the residential?
Staffing is still TBC – however there will be 5 members off staff including at least one senior leader and a first aider.
Exact staffing will be confirmed nearer the time.
What is the date of Robinwood?
Robinwood residential will be the 20th – 22nd April 2026, Barhaugh Hall, Alston.
Do the children get to choose who’s in their room?
We will ask the children to write down the names of 3 people they would like to share with, and they will have at least one of those people in their room.
Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
When does it take place?
June. Specific dates TBC.
What is the test like?
It is very similar to the Sound Check on Times Table Rock Stars. The children will get lots of practice and we keep this as low key as possible. The aim of the check is to ensure children know their times tables in preparation for middle school.
There are 25 questions - All multiplication. No division.
Will it be all of their x-tables?
Yes, up to 12 X 12.
What score is expected?
The average score last year across Newcastle was 21.1 out of a possible 25 which is considered a good score. However, many children achieved full marks.
Homework Expectations
How many minute should my child spend on TTRS per week?
We would recommend 25 minutes. This is about 5 minutes per day – little and often! Consistency is key.
How many Reading+ tasks are children expected to complete each week?
We recommend 2 reading tasks, 1 vocabulary and 1 visual skills – we see great progress in reading and comprehension when children read at this level. We also highly recommend reading real books.
This is what their screen would look like at the end of a week. The Reading+ week resets on a Sunday.
How can I support my child with spellings and KIRFS?
Evidence suggests that spelling practice works best when completed little and often. Practice at home can really help with this. We expect children to practice at home – this is also part of getting ready for middle school when they need to complete more independent homework.
Is there ever any other homework and where can I find this?
Your child will be informed of any extra homework. It will be handed out to the children and can usually be found on SeeSaw.