As if primary school children have not already suffered enough our 11-year-olds are now missing the transition to secondary school. Whilst we see large gatherings at sporting events, world leaders meeting together, Ascot and other events now going ahead our 11 yr olds have not set foot in their new schools.
Transition to secondary school usually involves spending a day or two in their new school and parents get to meet the senior leadship team and take a look around the school. The benefit of this is that it helps prepare our children for the new chapter they are starting in their education.
Transition day is a rite of passage and this time last year I did not think for one minute we would still be in the same position of not allowing children to have a transition day. We have protected the NHS, most adults are now vaccinated and I’m tired of these restrictions placed on our children. The effect is both academically and emotionally felt and I’m done with it!
As a qualified teacher and school governor, I understand the importance of transition day which is why I’m so cross that the governemnt have made it so hard again this year.
No matter how confident your child is at school, moving to secondary school can be a nerve-wracking process – not least because they’re going from being the biggest in the school to the smallest. Therefore I have put together some tips on how you can prepare your child for the transition to secondary school.
Is there a summer school planned?
Contact the school to see what arrangements they are offering to current year 6 students. Many schools are running summer schools to familiarise students with their new school and also to bridge any learning gaps as a response to the lockdowns.
Practise the school journey
Parents can still do a dummy run of getting to the school, if your child is walking to school practise the route and how long it takes. If they are cycling again do a practice run. It is these small details that can help a young child feel better about their transition to secondary school.
Use social media to connect with other new starters
Facebook is a great place to see if there are other parents with children starting the same school as yours. I have been added to a Facebook and Whats App group for new starters and plans are being made to arrange a meet up oursleves in order for children to start getting to know each other.
Communicate as much as possible
Talk and listen as much as possible about how they are feeling about starting secondary school. Really listen for what they are saying, not what you think they are feeling.
Talk to other students
Do you know other students already at the school, maybe in year 8 who have also gone through the transition recently. Maybe they can talk to your child about what starting the was like.
Use the school website
Although transition days may not be happening, the schools will be doing their best and may have put resources up on the school website, this could include tours of the schools or information about what to expect.
Finally remember that transition to secondary school is not just one day or something that happens before the child starts secondary school. The schools will do their upmost to ensure a smooth start to the year in September and they will spend time ensuring that the children settle, make new friends and build confidence in their new surroundings.
