If you teach in Years 6 and 7, there are lots of changes and transitions that as teachers you need to help and support. If you are a new teacher to these year groups, you may not have come across the issues faced by those preparing for, and starting, secondary school, and so we have noted a few key points to keep in mind.
Leaving Primary School
In Year 6 we see our pupils taking more responsibility for their belongings and homework. This is in mind of preparing them for the increased independence and responsibility that comes with starting secondary school. But there are other ways we can help to get them ready for their new school.
Here are some of our top tips on how to help your Year 6 pupils to feel confident about their move to Secondary School:
1) Talk about the changes with your class well in advance
By bringing their move to Secondary school into normal lessons and conversations, it brings a familiarity to the topic and stops it being something big that is only discussed on information-fuelled sessions. It also opens up the lines of communication, making it easier to share worries and fears.
2) Encourage independence wherever possible.
From homework, to even walking to and from school, there are so many ways teachers can encourage students to be more independent ready for Secondary school. It’s also really important for parents to be on board so use parent’s evenings as a way to explain to parents why this is so important for Year 6, and how it will help to benefit the pupils for Secondary school.
3) Tackle money
Getting your pupils thinking about money management might not be one of their biggest concerns when preparing for secondary school, but it’s definitely something teachers can help them prepare for. Some will be having their own lunch money for the first time, and can be daunting, but is a great opportunity to build solid money management skills at a young age.
4) Add in tasks and activities to build confidence
Any new change requires a level of confidence and bravery, and the transition to Secondary school requires quite a lot for these young minds! Think of tasks, activities and conversations that can encourage and build confidence before the big move.
5) Time management skills
Time management is a skill your pupils will need for the rest of their lives and developing this in mind of Secondary school is a great start. They will soon be managing their timetable, homework and more, and so it is essential for them to understand time and how to manage their time effectively from a young age.
Starting Secondary School
In Year 7, the use of timetabled classes and individual class plans is a new concept that takes a lot of adjusting to. When welcoming a new year 7 group, here are our top tips to helping your Year 7s get to grips with the new expectations of Secondary school life:
1) Give your class some leeway
It’s new, daunting and can take some getting used to. Whilst it is important to set boundaries and rules from the outset with any new class, keep in mind that your new Year 7s are not used to Secondary school ways and so slip ups may not be intentional rule breaks.
2) Create an approachable and understanding atmosphere
The more your class feel able to talk to you, the easier their transition into Secondary school will be. Ensure they know where and how to contact you, and the school’s process for reporting more serious concerns and fears.
3) Offer structure and routine
With so many changes as part of their move to Secondary School, the quicker routine and structure can be established, the more familiar everything will feel. This can also help those with autism or autistic tendencies. Ensure your class know how to read their timetable and how to understand the structure of their day.
4) Add in tasks and activities to encourage friend making
For some, they may not know (or like) anyone in their Secondary School classes or year. Activities that break the ice, encourage conversations about likes and dislikes, and help to build rapport, are the perfect for Year 7s looking to make friends.
5) Identify strengths
Whilst change can be scary, going outside of our comfort zones is where we develop most, and so it is no surprise this is the time your class can identify their strengths. What they recognise as their strengths now can lead to future careers and subject choices, so add in activities and tasks that encourage positive self-reflection. Also consider many different tasks and activities so that all individuals get a chance to see what they enjoy and what they are good at.
If you are wanting to start a career in education, contact us today to start your journey.