Transitions and Pathways Network August

Facilitated by the CCLLEN, approximately 20 people representing 10 regional schools attended a morning of Professional Development at ‘Coriander’, Echuca on August 2nd. A workshop entitled ‘Successful Transitions – What does it Take?’ was delivered by Angie Wilcock from High Hopes Educational Services. Angie, in her down to earth, friendly, enthusiastic and engaging manner workshopped the vital time of transition from Primary to Secondary School. This transition time was put in the context of developmental changes occurring in adolescence such as growth, hormonal changes, puberty and brain development. Angie made the point that children who do not transition well are, on the whole, less successful in school, have more difficulty making friends and are more vulnerable to mental and other health issues.

An overview of the key elements of successful transitions were given, along with how schools can make a difference. The four major elements cited as being critical for successful transitions were communication, cooperation, consensus and commitment. Major areas of difference between primary and secondary systems are seen in administration, curriculum, learning & teaching and in social & personal areas.

Research has shown that this transition period is often accompanied by a decline in academic performance and attitude as students basically just want to strive to ‘fit in’ at this stage. The characteristics of young people in these transition years were described including the fact that 10 to 15 year olds are going through a period of prodigious brain development. Participants found Angie’s description of ‘synaptic pruning’ very enlightening. Synaptic pruning occurs mostly at the frontal lobe of the brain – the centre for decision making, planning, impulse control and consequence recognition – all very important    athings, of course, for the young learner.

Some great practical examples of how schools can help ease the transition process were given and, how in particular, teachers might help. The various learning styles of young people were discussed and ideas were given on how to address these learning styles.

A particular bonus for school staff were the transition strategies models that Angie presented. Staff from the various schools combined to workshop these strategies and had some great practical ideas to take away.

Angie invited participants to visit her website www.highhopes.com.au for further information.

In a fitting cameo, Jenny Mitchell from Bendigo Health’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) presented on her ‘Transition Memoirs’ project. This is a project Jenny is working on in three schools in our DEECD region. It involves current Year 7 students recalling their time of transition from Primary into Secondary School in a DVD format. This should prove to be a great resource for incoming Year 7’s.

Schools represented at the PD forum were Echuca West Primary School, Rochester Secondary College, St Augustines’ College Kyabram, St Joseph’s College Echuca, Kyabram P-12 College, Rushworth P-12 College, Echuca 208 Primary School, Echuca College, Echuca South Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School Echuca. School Focussed Youth Services, Bendigo Health, Loddon Mallee region of DEECD and the Campaspe Cohuna LLEN were also represented.

Feedback from the session clearly indicates that there is strong interest for regular meetings between personnel from the two levels of schooling around the subject of primary to secondary transitions. The CCLLEN will look to facilitate this.