In The Picture — 22 August 2022

Summer Transition School

How do you encourage friendship within a new class?
How do you read a timetable and organize yourself for each school day?
How do you prioritize homework?

These were some of the questions answered at the annual Summer Transition School, which took place in St Mary’s University College from the 16-17 August 2022.

The Summer Transition School is an initiative of the West Belfast Partnership Board, in co-operation with the Department of Education, the post-primary schools in the West Belfast constituency area and St Mary’s University College. It caters for young people who are making the transition from primary to secondary school in September.

The programme is delivered by fully qualified local teachers, and other professionals, along with support staff and students from St Mary’s University College. During the week, the pupils participate in fun classroom activities to help them make friends and grow in confidence as they make this transition in their lives. This year the students had fun getting to know one another and improving teamwork skills through drama provided by Dave and Rhiannon from 'Kids in Control'. In Literacy, they sharpened their talking, listening, and writing skills using a series of board games. As well as completing a virtual tour of their new school, their numeracy skills were put to the test with games such as Minecraft. Cormac and Carlos from 'HIP Psychology' used a series of computer-based activities to help the students to improve their organisational skills and their ability to cope when starting a new school.

The Summer Transition School makes an important contribution to the College mission by supporting young people to achieve their full potential and, if appropriate, aspire to higher education. It hopes to level the playing field for pupils who, because of particular disadvantaged circumstances, may not otherwise be able to cope successfully with such a big change.