Virtual Transition is a response to the well documented dip in attainment by pupils transferring to secondary schools.

The aim of the project was to provide year-6 pupils with the opportunity to meet learners from, and find out more about, the secondary school they were due to attend in the autumn Term.  A selection of year-8 pupils were trained as peer-tutors and helped to develop school resources for the programme as well as deliver the programme.

The programme took place in June / July, after SATs had taken place and before their induction at the new school. An on-line facility was used to enable pupils to work ‘out-of-hours’, from home if access was available, or within the School at lunch times and before / after the schools day.

Year-6 pupils reported enjoying this way of working, and felt that the benefits came from being able to communicate with pupils from their new school as well as meeting other year-6 pupils intending to transfer to the same school. Of those pupils who took part in evaluation in October 2003, 70% reported that this programme had been very helpful in supporting the transfer to their new school.

Summary

The Virtual Transition programme for 2003 registered 308 year-6 pupils transferring to 3 secondary schools in Birmingham. 24 year-8 peer tutors were trained and took an active role in resource development and facilitating the programme. The Virtual Transition programme commenced the week after SATs took place and was due to run for three weeks, although this was extended at the request of the Users. This has been a very positive programme with 70% of those who responded to the evaluation questionnaire reporting that this programme was helpful in supporting the process of transition from year-6 to year-7. A similar number reported finding this experience a very enjoyable one.

A full report can be read at: www.bgfl.org/transitionreport2003

Transition 2004

The programme is due to be rolled out to more schools within Birmingham in 2004, selecting students from 7 wards and hotspots identified by the Children’s fund.

A briefing session was held at the Martineau Centre on Wednesday 24th March, 2pm - 4pm, for those schools interested in joining Transition 2004.