Transition into secondary schools

During the last week of the scholastic year, the Year 6 and Year 7 students of a number of different state schools had the opportunity to meet at the Hockey Club in Kordin as part of the activities organised during this year's PSD Week. The topic chosen was "Transition into Secondary Schools".

The schools taking part were the primary schools of St Gwann, Birkirkara, St Venera, San Sebastian in Qormi, San Gorg in Qormi, Mgarr, Paola and Zebbug. Eleven primary PSD teachers co-ordinated and facilitated the activities.

These activities were aimed at defining transition, reducing transition stress into Form 1 by enhancing awareness and preparing for the change, gaining new and refreshing relevant skills already acquired in various PSD lessons such as being assertive, as well as making new friends they might be encountering as schoolmates next year.

Everyday, each PSD teacher was responsible for a group of 15 students attending different schools. In this way the students could benefit from making new acquaintances - a matter they will have to deal with next scholastic year.

To strengthen the newly formed groups, the first activity started off with an ice breaker. The children then embarked on finding ways in which secondary schools differ from primary schools. Soon after, in small groups the students analysed coping skills needed to overcome these differences. The outcome of these discussions was later shared and discussed within the big group.

The students also had the opportunity to participate in a series of role-plays depicting situations they might encounter during their secondary school years. This activity gave each student the opportunity to practice the skill of assertiveness. During break, the students were eager to get to know their new friends further by socialising through play.

At the end of the PSD Day most students noted that they felt more ready and equipped to start their secondary school years.