Transition: the four phases

The term transition covers the broad period of time from preparing to move from primary school until successful settlement of the student in secondary school.

Plans to support transition should begin in Year 5, or even earlier, to create an environment that promotes a confident transition from the primary school classroom to the secondary school classroom.

Within this transition period, four distinct phases tend to occur.

Carefully planned activities during primary school can prepare students for secondary school. These activities generally provide information to students and parents about the nature of secondary education and the options available.

Transfer refers to that period of time when there is a high level of direct interaction between the outgoing primary school students and their new secondary school.

The most common transfer activities include student/parent meetings and student visits to the new secondary school.

In addition, behind the scenes there is valuable sharing of significant academic and other information between primary school staff and secondary school staff to facilitate the transition process and the placement of each student into the new school.

Students about to enter secondary school may be concerned about the routines of the new school. Orientation activities that demystify new routines are best carried out well before the first day at secondary school. Involving students from both primary and secondary schools in the planning and implementation of these activities ensures that they are appropriate to student needs.

Upon entry into Year 7, secondary schools typically provide a variety of programs intended to orientate students to the expectations and operation of the school. Programs also provide support for learning and the social and personal aspects of transition.

As transition activities eventually merge into the secondary school’s overall student welfare and support programs, late Year 7 and early Year 8 present an opportunity to introduce activities specifically designed to provide students with the means of managing their own learning.

A transition program that incorporates these four phases (preparation, transfer, induction and consolidation) is essential for students to experience effective transition from primary school to secondary school. Equally as important are the five areas of action for transition.