Post-Primary Transition – Supporting Positive Progression

The progression from primary to post-primary school comes at a time of great change for children. As well as the physical and psychological changes that puberty brings, children are adapting to their new school environment and developing new relationships.

This programme is aimed at children in their final year of primary education and their parents.  The programme will provide a space where the experience of making the transition to second-level education can be explored.  This course will provide both parties with the skills and knowledge to communicate effectively with each other throughout the transition period, focusing on both offline and online activity, at a time when children are exploring their independence.

Programme Structure and Delivery

The programme may be run in individual primary schools or as part of a wider programme with feeder schools and local secondary schools.  Schools can also choose to run only one of the three workshops or to book the complete programme.

Workshop 1 – Parent & Child 

• Minimum Stress Transition – Moving from primary to post-primary school
• Boundaries – exploring the changing dynamic in families as pre-teens gain independence and responsibility.

Workshop 2 – Children 

• Exploring New Friendships – Who do I make friends with?
• Understanding and Dealing with Stress, Anxiety & Depression
• Communication – How do I get along with the people closest to me?

Workshop 3 – Parents 

This workshop can take place in the first term of 1st year in secondary school or in the final term of primary school.  It is aimed at all parents of transitioning students and will build on the initial Parent and Child transition workshop (it is not necessary for all parents to have attended the previous workshop).  Topics covered will include:

• Communicating with your adolescent
• Monitoring their online life
•  Stress. Anxiety and Depression – understanding the signs and where to go to get help