MAST Learning Mentors support Year 6 pupils during their transition to Year 7 by addressing emotional well-being, fostering friendships and developing essential skills.
Easing the Year 6 to Year 7 Transition with MAST Transition Sessions
The leap from Year 6 to Year 7 is a significant milestone in a child’s educational journey. This transition from the familiar surroundings of primary school to the busy and dynamic environment of secondary school can be both exciting and daunting. MAST Learning Mentors run Year 6 transition groups, offering valuable support to help pupils prepare for this period of change. Each transition group follows a similar structure focusing on: coping with change, saying goodbye to primary, planning the journey, friendship and getting organised.
Coping with Change
The transition to secondary school involves several adjustments. Year 6 transition groups provide a structured framework to help children manage these changes effectively. Mentors work with students to develop coping strategies, offering emotional support and practical advice. The sessions allow children to openly express and discuss both things they are excited for, and worried about. Openly discussing any concerns and fears as a group, can be very beneficial for children. These discussions can help provide reassurance to many children that they are not alone in having worries about changing school. By addressing any worries early on, the sessions provide pupils with a sense of stability and confidence.
Saying Goodbye
Leaving primary school can be an emotional experience. Pupils are parting ways with friends, familiar teachers, and a comfortable environment. Transition sessions aid this process by encouraging children to reflect on their primary school experiences and recognise their growth. Activities such as drawing their favourite school memories or writing letters to their younger selves, help pupils process their feelings and celebrate their achievements. These reflective activities enable students to close one school chapter positively before beginning a new one.
Planning the Journey
The physical journey to a new school can be a source of anxiety for many pupils. Whether it’s navigating public transportation, having to change their typical morning schedule, or simply adjusting to a longer commute, the practical aspects of the transition are significant. MAST learning mentors assist students in planning their new routines. This might involve planning their new route to school, discussing time management skills, or even role-playing different social scenarios they might encounter. By preparing students for these logistical changes, transition sessions reduce uncertainty and help build confidence.
Friendship
Forming new friendships is often a top priority for children entering secondary school. Through group activities and discussions, mentors teach students how to initiate conversations, join new groups, and build lasting friendships. By creating a safe space for students to practice these skills, transition sessions help alleviate any fears of social isolation.
Getting Organised
Secondary school demands a higher level of organisation and independence from students. MAST mentors guide students in developing essential organisational skills. This includes learning their new school day timings, prioritising tasks, keeping track of assignments. Practical tips such as maintaining a homework diary and setting up a dedicated study space at home, can make a significant difference. By equipping students with these strategies, transition sessions ensure that they start their secondary school journey on the right foot.
Conclusion
The transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is a significant step that brings both challenges and opportunities. MAST learning mentoring provides comprehensive support to help students cope with this change. By addressing emotional well-being, facilitating farewells, preparing for the new school journey, fostering friendships, and promoting organisational skills, MAST transition sessions equip pupils with the tools they need to thrive in their new environment. With the right guidance and support, students can approach this transition with confidence, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience.
