Students launch social media campaign to save Year 6 pupils from a “summer of worry”

“Don’t worry about the big kids” says Three Rivers students in reassuring facebook post

Getting ready to start secondary school can be a nerve-racking experience.  In a bid to save September’s new starters from a summer of worry, a group of secondary students have taken to social media to assure their younger counterparts that a warm welcome awaits.

Students at Three Rivers Academy in Hersham, have launched a social media campaign designed to give emotional reassurance to current Year 6 pupils as they prepare for the transition to secondary school.  Working with members of staff and parents connected to the school they have released a guide called “The next great adventure: advice from young people and their parents about managing the transition from primary to secondary”.  It is supported by a stream of facebook content containing tips and advice from young people.

In the guide, students have listed five things that youngsters don’t need to worry about:

1. Finding your way around – yes, the school is big but staff are friendly and will be happy to help
2. Making friends – everyone is in the same boat. Be friendly and others will be friendly back
3. The big kids – older students are busy with their own friends. They won’t be thinking about making trouble for you
4. Tests and assessments – tests are more regular than at primary school, but they are there to help you – not get you in trouble
5. Packing your school bag – youngsters will need to bring different items with them every day – but planning your week and packing your bag soon becomes second nature

Barbara Mayaire, Principal of Three Rivers Academy, said: “The transition between primary and secondary school has always been a crucial and, at times, challenging moment for young people.  But it should also be a time of real excitement as students begin to gain more independence and take responsibility for getting themselves to school and making sure they have everything they need for the day.

“By this stage, Year 6 children and their parents will already have received important information about starting secondary.  This guide isn’t here to try and replicate or replace that.  Instead, it seeks to serve as emotional reassurance to children and their parents.  When beginning the next great adventure of their education, it’s natural to be nervous.  As our students have shared, such feelings are common.  And while the young people that have contributed are all students at Three Rivers Academy, the advice in the guide will be relevant to children starting any secondary school across Surrey and beyond.”

Three Rivers Academy is a vibrant, caring and inspiring school. It places learning at the heart of everything it does and believes that every child should flourish and enjoy their education. Students and staff enjoy access to spacious, modern and outstanding facilities. From vast and bright classrooms to state-of-the-art sports and performing arts facilities, the school’s environment allows students to excel and access 21st century learning.

To download the full guide: “The next great adventure: advice from young people and their parents about managing the transition from primary to secondary please click here