Middle School in Cedars
P7 - S2

Middle School is an exciting phase of education in Cedars School, in P7 - S2. It is a time for focusing on new skills and knowledge which will prepare pupils for the challenges of Senior School with the responsibility of external exam preparation.

Middle School in Cedars is an exciting and important phase in your child’s education. It is structured in a way that allows maximum opportunity for developing academically, socially and personally. 

​We understand that the transition between primary and secondary is challenging. We do everything we can to make this transition a successful one for every pupil so that they develop the skills necessary for reaching their potential.

​If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Head Teacher (Mrs Offord jmo@cedars.inverclyde.sch.uk) or our Deputy Head Teacher (Miss Rukin er@cedars.inverclyde.sch.uk)​.

Transitus

At Cedars, the P7 class are called Transitus, and they are part of both the Primary and Middle School. Transitus in Cedars is a unique opportunity to be part of life in the secondary school, moving round classes taught by subject specialists, following a timetable, meeting new teachers - all whilst still having the security of daily contact with their Junior class teacher.

Transitus experience new challenges in secondary classes: conducting Science experiments; exploring Art techniques; studying new authors; engaging in Modern Studies debates; competing in the UK - wide Lego Challenge in technology, and much more. 

Weekly Health and Wellbeing sessions focus on building resilience,  improving wellbeing, promoting positive behaviour and teaching strategies for mental health. Transitus are well prepared to enjoy and thrive in the challenges and opportunities of the secondary school.

Transitus enjoy opportunities to become involved in the wider life of the school and thrive on the increasing sense of responsibility that comes with these. They are included in the secondary school extra curricular clubs, and play a significant role in the pupil council. They are often chosen to give tours to new parents and pupils, as Transitus is often a point of entry for pupils joining the Cedars family.

Useful information for all P7 - S2

Subjects
In Middle School, pupils study, in the Arts faculty, English, French, Modern Studies, History, Geography, Music, Health and Wellbeing, Religious and Moral Education and Art. In the Science Faculty they study Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Computing and Technology.

PE
S1 and S2 will have PE for one period on a Tuesday afternoon, and one period on a Thursday afternoon. Pupils should wear their PE kit to school, and bring a drink in a bottle that they can refill after lunch.
In Transitus, pupils will have sports coaching on a Wednesday afternoon, and experience a varied programme of other activities throughout the year, including skiing, gymnastics and swimming.

Guidance
In Middle and Senior School we run a system of Guidance. The Guidance Teacher for Transitus is Miss Black. She is the first point of contact for any questions regarding your child’s schooling. Miss Black can be emailed at eb@cedars.inverclyde.sch.uk  The Guidance Teacher for S1 - S3 is Miss Rukin. She is the first point of contact if you have any questions regarding your child's schooling. Miss Rukin can be emailed at er@cedars.inverclyde.sch.uk.

Equipment for learning
We encourage pupils in Middle School to bring the correct equipment each day. This includes a pencil case with the following items:
3 blue or black biros
3 sharp pencils
1 pencil sharpener
1 ruler
1 eraser
5/6 colouring pencils
1 calculator
In addition, pupils should ensure that they bring their iPad, the textbooks, jotters and other materials that are required for the academic subjects that they have each day.

Mobile Phones
We have a simple policy on mobile phones. If your child needs to bring a phone to school, we ask that it stays in their bag at all times. This includes during interval and lunch times.

Uniform 
School uniform is an important part of school life and protects young people from the pressures of fashion and self-presentation. Information about the specifics of our school uniform can be viewed here: 
school_uniform_standards.pdf

Information about which days to wear formal and trip uniform will be released at the start of each term. Generally, pupils are required to wear formal uniform every day except the day they have PE. In Cedars, PE kit is referred to as ‘trip uniform’ as it is the same uniform that we ask pupils to wear when they take day trips with their class. 
We have a small amount of second hand uniform available.  Please do get in touch with us if we can help you with that. 

Senior School and Option Choices
As your child progresses into Senior School they will be able to study for SQA qualifications at National 2, 3, 4 and 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels. More information about this stage, and guidance on making subject choices, is given after Easter in S2. We work closely with parents and pupils to fully support you and your child in making these choices, which are based on the pupil's effort, progress and achievement in the Middle School years. 

Residential trips

Our residential trips are a highlight for Middle School pupils. Past trips for Middle School have included York, London, Paris, Aviemore, Compass, Edinburgh and London.

This year, pupils in P6 and P7 are going to Compass Christian Centre for a week of outdoor activities and challenges. We have been taking pupils to Compass, in the Cairngorms, for over 15 years - it is always a trip that former pupils will speak of as a real highlight of their school experience. Questions regarding this year's Compass trip should be directed to Miss Black.

Pupils in S1 and S2 are going to York for four days of cultural and historic visits, and outdoor challenges. The York trip is always popular - York is a charming historic city and a beautiful place to explore. Questions ​regarding this year's York trip should be directed to Miss Rukin.

Extra Curricular

We currently have the following clubs for pupils in S1 - S6:

Lighthouse Choir, Tuesdays 3.20 - 4.15pm
Debate Club, Wednesday lunchtimes
Creative Writing Club, Wednesdays 3.20 - 4.30pm
Chess Club, Friday lunchtimes

Our pupils are encouraged to run Clubs to share their interests with others. We find that each year, different clubs and activities are on offer, reflecting the interests of the pupil body.

Stepping Stones S1 - S4

Stepping Stones takes place every Wednesday afternoon, for all pupils in S1 - S4. It forms a core part of our approach to ensuring a well rounded education in the Secondary School. These afternoons combine visits from guest speakers, links with Skills Development Scotland, input from a variety of staff, and off site visits, to enable pupils to develop the skills and knowledge they need to take personal responsibility for leading a purposeful, compassionate, healthy life. In our first term, we have visits from recent school leavers to speak about their post - school pathways, and we organise an outdoor learning afternoon, promoting positive choices for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.