Transition from Primary School to Secondary School

Visit the school and walk around the buildings (video this to play back at home, completed by the student or parent)
Locate the office where you go for assistance (important to use positive language e.g. when unsure someone will be able to assist)
Speak with the year Co-ordinator for Year 7 about the daily routine and timetable cycle
Obtain a map of the school layout with building names and numbers
Obtain examples of Term One timetable for Year 7
Location of the toilet blocks, change rooms, canteen, libary and playground visit these (can be sensory overload with noise and smells)
Student writes an introduction of themselves, what they like and enjoy, also include things that work for them and what they find hard, what gives them anxiety e.g. being asked to read in class, making speeches
Answer/s for what the student wants to know about secondary school
Any fidget aid needs to be age appropriate e.g. “happy sack”
Talk about vaping, how does it work in school?

Start transition the year before
Allocation of locker to be on the edge of the set
Colour code subjects for books and folders
Visit off-site locations e.g. sport field, swimming pool
Review dates built into the plan e.g. monthly to check what is working and if there are any problems to be addressed (don’t leave until the end of the term as a concern may develop into a larger problem)
Uniform consideration and the change for sport lessons (visit the clothing shop to see and feel uniforms)
Year 6 Class starts transition the term before with their class timetable and books needed for each lesson while still in Year 6. Year 6 changing their way of operating in Term 4 to follow secondary format e.g. desks are not yours, sit in different places each day, follow a timetable, use a diary, homework and bring materials and books needed.
Some lessons located away from the classroom
Transition Plan, this may involve partial attendance, building to a full day
Bus/train/taxi transport needs a transition plan too

School visits to different subject classes and sitting in
School visits to read timetable and locate classrooms, practise runs over several days throughout the year
A collection of graphic organisers that could be used by subject teachers as a starter or when stuck
A mentor introduced – an older student who checks in the following year, especially when on the playground
Meet students going into the year level, student attend orientation days
Establish signal or sign that the student can use that indicates they are unsure or unable to start e.g. a specific marker on the desk or ruler turned over (This avoids teachers constantly asking if they are all right)
Home link for parents to check assignments due date or activities planned
Other options in Year 7 for recess and lunch breaks e.g. library or clubs
Video from Year 7 students explaining what they do and what they have done, from their perspective

Book tips for teens to prepare for highschool

If you need any help regarding transition from primary to secondary school, feel free to contact 'Kolourful Unique' We are more than happy to help!

'Kolourful Unique' team

Transition from primary to secondary school