Wellbeing News
Understanding Transition Points
Via Education Services Australia 2019©
One of the most exciting aspects of parenting is watching your child grow and change. From the first weeks of life, children begin a journey, one that is marked by all kinds of milestones – baby’s first smile, sitting unaided, first words, first steps and the list goes on.
Research tells us that the transition points relating to a child’s education are some of the most important stages in life and can have far-reaching impacts on their wellbeing and success both in learning and in their later life.
Why are transition periods so important?
Successful transitions can increase positive social, emotional and academic outcomes for children and young people. We also know that starting school and moving to secondary school are two major transitions that often involve challenges and potential stress for children and families.
During these times children must learn to:
- adjust to a new environment
- understand new rules and expectations
- interact with a new set of peers
- negotiate ways to navigate the daily challenges and demands of school life
Moving from primary to secondary school
Research from the World Bank Development report reveals that the move into secondary school is considered one of the five most important transitions for young people. It’s an exciting and sometimes scary time for adolescents, and coincides with significant physical, cognitive, emotional, psychosocial developmental changes. Most teenagers can’t wait to move from the security and familiarity of their primary schools to a new and challenging environment with many more educational offerings and social opportunities. Transition to secondary school is challenging and can affect a young person’s social, emotional and academic outcomes both while at school and beyond.
What do young people going into secondary school worry about?
Starting secondary school raises all kinds of concerns for young people including:
- being bullied
- losing old friends
- making new friends
- not finding their way around school campus
- rules and discipline
- getting on with their teachers
- homework and academic expectations
- older kids.
Supporting your teen
Try these tips for supporting your teen’s successful transition to secondary school.
- Prepare your teen for what to expect at secondary school – organise school visits, uniform and books, and meeting new classmates before school begins.
- Be open about your feelings and concerns and encourage your teen to share theirs.
- Talk to other parents in the same situation.
- Your teen may not be as communicative as usual but be open to a chat when they need it.
- Encourage new school friends to visit at home.
- Make connections with teachers and engage in school events and activities.