Transitions

Topic summary

Positive transitions during a student’s years at school have far-reaching benefits.

Definition

During their years of schooling students make a number of transitions. In addition to the most obvious transitions from ECE to school and from primary to secondary (often involving an additional transition via intermediate school), students also undergo transitions within ECE and school, such as the transition from junior to senior school. Students may also shift from one school to another as the result of moving house or for other reasons, and undergo a period of transition independent of their peer group.

Relevance

The transition from early childhood to primary school involves noticeable changes in curriculum content as well as a shift towards more structured learning practices. The transition from primary school to secondary school involves further changes in curriculum and the structure of learning, and the stakes become higher in regards to assessment of academic achievement and its impact on future plans.

State of the evidence

A number of studies from New Zealand and overseas have established that the transition from one school to another can have a detrimental effect on both the wellbeing and the academic achievement of students if not well planned and carefully managed. This is particularly important during the transition to secondary school because it coincides with a period of significant physical, emotional and cognitive development for adolescents.

In practice

Transitions should be thought of as a process that takes place over several months rather than as a single event. The evidence on positive transitions indicates that they rely on close collaboration and communication between the graduating and the receiving school, and among students, teachers and families. It is important to pay careful attention to the practical steps involved in the transition process as well as the academic and social emotional challenges they create for students.

Guiding questions

How does your school manage the transition for students who are arriving or leaving?
How can you ensure that you begin preparing for the transition early, and continue to offer support to new students well into the new school year?
How can you ensure that your school transition procedures attend to practical details like completing paperwork as well the academic and social emotional needs of the student?
How can you involve parents and families in the process and support them to support their children?

RESEARCH REVIEWS

Using social media to support the transition from ECE to school

July 16, 2021

Innovative ways to use Facebook and other social media tools to support the transition to school.

Supporting children and their families through the transition to school

September 25, 2020

Practical ways that ECE and primary school teachers can help ensure that the transition to school is a positive and successful experience for children and their families.

The transition to secondary school

June 2, 2020

An overview of the research on the transition from primary to secondary school, and how schools and families can support students through the challenges and opportunities that this transition creates.

INFOGRAPHICS

WEBINARS

ECE webinar: Understanding and enhancing young children’s transitions

April 14, 2021

Sally Peters and Hazel Woodhouse from the University of Waikato explore transitions in the early years

"I really struggle to find time for things like this in a normal week, so having a short-cut to new and relevant information is just brilliant – thanks!"

Kylie, intermediate school leader

INSIGHT

Insight: How primary schools can help parents through the transition to school

September 23, 2020

Key ideas for supporting parents and children through the transition to school.

School Resources