Transitioning smoothly from primary to secondary school

What is a transition programme?

Transition programmes are like traditional residentials, but specifically for classes starting secondary school. They’re jam-packed with educational activities that’ll excite and engage your children. The main difference is that the focus will be on making the move between primary and secondary school as smooth and anxiety-free as possible. There will be the usual mix of curriculum based and soft skill enhancing things to do, as well as the opportunity for your students to bond and get to know each other, and you, a bit better.

Why should I take my pupils on one?

Taking your pupils on a residential in Year 7 might just seem like just a fun way to introduce them to secondary school life, there’s also research that supports the importance of a positive transition between Key Stages 2 and 3. Dr Sandra Leaton Gray from University College London reported that Year 7s who have a positive transition into secondary school are better prepared to learn successfully. A study funded by the Department for Education also found that children who felt supported by their secondary school were more likely to have a successful transition.

Your pupils might have been on a residential before, so the promise of going on another adventure will help them look forward to the move between schools. Or, if they haven’t, then the anticipation of going on a trip with their new classmates will get them excited about the transition. While moving schools is a positive thing, change can be worrying. Having something to prepare for and focus on can help ease the transition to secondary school.

Transition programmes also give pupils the chance to get to know each other outside of a classroom setting. A study published in Psychology Teaching Review found that pupils who formed strong friendships in Year 7 felt more settled in their new school. Making friends and learning to work together as a team helps them with the rest of their time at secondary school.

What do transition programmes include?

Our carefully designed primary to secondary transition programme uses land, water, and team activities to build self-confidence and bring new groups of students together. The fun-filled activities will give pupils a supportive setting where they can learn to trust and help their new classmates, so they’ll work as a team and feel more comfortable back at school. Activities like building a raft or scaling a rock face are a perfect way to break the ice and encourage communication.

Our centres all offer adventurous activities, comfortable accommodation, and stunning locations for your pupils to explore and enjoy. These sessions have been selected and crafted to emphasise the development of soft skills including communication, teamwork, and resilience. While high ropes, exploring the New Forest, and abseiling don’t feel like learning opportunities, they’re a perfect way to start discussions about overcoming life challenges, like moving schools. You can also include activities like environmental studies, that include curriculum-specific content to give your class a head start on the approaching academic year.