Pupils transitioning to secondary school by Nazish Jamali

Introduction

In the UK children make a minimum of two or a maximum of four transitions between schools (Tobbell, J. 2014). The most significant transition in pupils' education is to move them into secondary school, which is not much easy. Various changes may occur, for example, their physical environment can be changed, they deal with new rules and procedures, change in relationships with peers, teachers, and family, and change in the learning environment. Some pupils are often excited about going to a new secondary school while some pupils may feel angry or sad about leaving their current school and old friends. Some of the pupils need extra support for the transition because they can be overwhelming, they can feel difficulty in maintaining relationships, and they can feel low confidence or hesitation due to moving from the primary to the secondary phase (Nutting, P. G. 1904).

Pupils transitioning to secondary school by Nazish Jamali

How do parents support their children?

The transition is the voyage of apprehension, excitement, and sometimes fear of the unknown. If your child is joining a new school, naturally he/she can be a little nervous and apprehensive, the inexperienced and unknown can cause to make pupils confused and anxious at a time of enormous change (McLoughlin, J. (2020). In the UK 25% - 30% of pupils face problems in transitions, which can be marked as a decline in their success. (Tobbell, J. 2014). Your child is upset about it because he/she felt that he/she is going to be bullied by other pupils at this new school (Youtube). Parents should start an open and honest conversation with the child, by avoiding the child’s afraid, you can share your own experience with them (McLoughlin, J. (2020). As parents are the first teacher of the child their involvement in education is necessary to improve the academic achievement of their child (Jopanda, A. 2016). When a child starts school parents always ask the question “will their child be capable to manage?” here are the ways which can be followed by parents to support their child.

Support your child by using the following techniques (Spurgeons, 2021):

ü  To Train them to develop safety skills.

ü  To develop independence and self-confidence in them.

ü  To support their well-being.

ü  To develop skills for school superheroes.

ü  To support them to explore their emotions.

ü  To support their literacy skills.

ü  To develop good ethical habits for learning and social relationships.

What do parents do to help get the academic year off to a good start?

A few tips are here for parents to start the school year strong. parents should play the four key roles: teachers, supporters, advocates, and decision-makers. Parents should be good friends to their child, communicate friendly with the child, develop a good relationship with the child, and ask for regular activities, should set the environment for learning at home. Should establish routines for study and homework, and should use effective strategies and techniques to engage their child in learning (Kadar, S. 2011).