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The transition from primary to secondary school can be an exciting but daunting time and schools work hard to prepare students and ensure they have the life skills to face the challenges that come with starting in a new school.
Val Griffiths, Headteacher at St Andrew’s Church of England VA Primary School, in Greater Northampton Deanery, shares the preparation and work they do with their pupils to ensure the transition to secondary schools is a smooth and happy one.
“Preparing children for the next stage of their educational journey and for life beyond school are key areas of importance for our school. Our vision, ‘With God all things are possible Matthew 19:26, is exemplified through our I ASPIRE values. These are:
I Independence
A Ambition
S Self-Control
P – Perseverance
I – Integrity
R – Responsibility
E – Empathy
As our children progress through the school these key values are embedded into their work and social experiences because we see them as key life skills. This is never more important as we start to prepare them for the transition to secondary school. We make efforts to consider the changes that will impact their academic, social and emotional development and part of this is dealt with through our approach to spiritual growth.
We use the analogy of Ow, Now and Wow moments throughout the school. Recognising the need for all experiences as part of being a ‘whole’ person. We talk about how our spiritual beliefs can guide us through these moments with positivity and hope.
We are blessed to be able to invite Leah Peters from the Lighthouse Trust to work with our Year 6’s in the summer term. She and her team set up a prayer space experience for our children to engage with. This particular space has been created to help pupils going though big changes to process that change in a quiet and reflective space. Activities include ‘letting go’, ‘wow’ moments to remember about primary school, friendship choices and more like this. It is a beautiful thing to be part of and the children benefit hugely from taking part.
These spaces, which we also call ‘prayer/reflection spaces’, are created to be contemplative in nature, and are carefully composed to be for pupils of all faiths and none. The children are reassured that this is a place where they can think and pray if they choose to do so.
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The feedback is always really positive, children find this experience important and a good way to acknowledge their fears, hopes and excitement as they prepare to leave us. We always conduct exit interviews with our out-going cohorts and they always say they feel prepared for their next steps and are realistic about the challenges to come.”
If you want to support young people in your community through this time of transition, see our resources page for more ideas or contact Charlotte Nobbs, Childrens Youth Enabler for practical ideas.