Big change, new beginnings

27 September 2006

Fresh recruits...Nikhita Bonigala, Ashleigh Jay-Barnes and Paul Lucking

SCORES of children have been on the move - making the giant leap from primary to secondary school.

Among them were 11-year-olds Ashleigh Jay-Barnes and Nikhita Bonigala, and Paul Lucking, 12, who have all joined East Ham's Brampton Manor School.

Ashleigh said: "On the first day, I made a lot of new friends. The lessons were a pleasure to be in, the teachers took time to explain and help. I love my new school."

"I was so nervous!" exclaimed Nikhita. "I was with children whom I had never seen before, there was no one in my form from my old school, North Beckton Primary."

However, Nikhita said that she was impressed by the state-of-the-art computer suites and the school lunch.

Paul was also nervous before joining the secondary. "But on my first day, everyone was so very nice; they showed me around and I felt very welcome.

"I liked all my teachers, they were kind and made sure everyone understood what they were teaching."

He added: "I like the large playground where I played football with friends. At my old school, we did not have a grass field and here there is a very big grass field as well as an Astro Turf!

Settled

"I am looking forward to the rest of my time at Brampton Manor."

Head teacher Neil Berry said they are delighted that Year Seven pupils have settled into the school.

"Brampton Manor is a very successful school with examination results at 50 per cent A to C and even more impressive Year Nine SATs.

"We are both a Training School and a Specialist Arts School, and I am confident that our new students will contribute to our future successes," he added.