Nature of the student

Transition from primary school to secondary school comes at a time when students are also experiencing changes associated with their movement from childhood to adolescence. Understanding the nature and characteristics of young adolescent development can focus effort in meeting the needs of these students.

The National Middle School Association (USA, 1995) identified these developmental needs as:

• intellectual – young adolescent learners are curious, motivated to achieve when challenged and capable of problem-solving and complex thinking
  
  
• social – there is an intense need to belong and be accepted by their peers while finding their own place in the world. They are engaged in forming and questioning their own identities on many levels
  
  
• physical – they mature at different rates and experience rapid and irregular growth, with bodily changes causing awkward and uncoordinated movements
  
  
• emotional and psychological – they are vulnerable and self-conscious, and often experience unpredictable mood swings
  
  
• moral – they are idealistic and want to have an impact on making the world a better place.
  
  

Recent research makes clear that successful transition from primary to secondary schooling is significantly linked with understanding and addressing the developmental issues facing young adolescents.

For more information about the nature of students undertaking transition from primary to secondary schooling, use the links under 'Related web sites'.