Facilitating_a_Successful_Transition_to_Secondary School: (How) Does it Work? A Systematic Literature Review

Rens, Marlau & Haelermans, Carla & Groot, Wim & Maassenvandenbrink, H.. (2018). Facilitating a Successful Transition to Secondary School: (How) Does it Work? A Systematic Literature Review. Adolescent Research Review. 3. 10.1007/s40894-017-0063-2.

WHY DO SCHOOLS NEED TO HAVE AN EFFECTIVE TRANSTION PROGRAM IN PLACE?

  • Transition to secondary school is one of the most difficult transitions in a student’s educational career.
  • Students frequently have mixed feelings about transition.
  • Poor school transition can have negative long-term consequences on mental health.
  • How successful the transition process is can affect children’s academic performance and their general sense of well-being.
  • Children who fail to make a successful transition frequently feel marginalised and undervalued.
  • Children who have the knowledge and skills to succeed at the next level (academic preparedness) are more likely to be successful.
  • It is important to involve all stakeholders, the school the child and their parents in the transition process.
  • Prior to the transition, at primary school, children need to be prepared for holding more responsibility for their learning.
  • Interventions to facilitate successful transition should also involve parents and children should be given a voice in the process.
  • Positive relationships and good communication between all stakeholders are essential to realize a successful transition.

 

WHAT ARE THE INDICATORS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION?

After a successful transition, children have:

  1. Developed new friendships, improved their self-esteem and self-confidence
  2. Settled in school to the point where they did not cause their parents concern
  3. Increased interest in school and schoolwork compared to primary school
  4. Become used to new routines and the school organisation
  5. Experienced curriculum continuity.

 

This table from the article gives a quick overview of other research papers on this topic.

Table 1 | Facilitating a Successful Transition to Secondary School: (How) Does it Work? A Systematic Literature Review | SpringerLink

 

P.S. As much as I love reading the academic research, in the end I like practical activity based learning – hence the creation of the Preparing in Primary for High School program!

Dr Prue Salter