The transition from primary to secondary school can be daunting for any child. We understand the anxieties and uncertainties that come with not only starting a new school but also beginning a whole new stage in their academic life.

This is why we strive to make the transition for our pupils as seamless as possible. Their comfort is our top priority to ensure they excel in their academic studies.

To support this, we held a very insightful workshop with the Tower Hamlets Emotion Explorers Service (THEWS), which helped our pupils with any questions or nervous thoughts they had about moving into secondary school.

The session began with a fun icebreaker called ‘popcorn’. Pupils had to stand up and say a number, but no two students could stand at the same time. This enjoyable activity got everyone excited and ready for the discussions ahead.

They were able to explore some of the worries they had about their transition and learn how to cope or improve the overall situation. They were taught that it is okay to worry as long as they work towards improving their environment to stop the worries from continuing.

They learned breathing techniques such as the ‘hot chocolate’ method to help manage intense situations, as well as the ‘Worry Tree’, which showed them a healthy process for dealing with worries and making improvements.

The session concluded with an educational video reassuring them that it is completely normal to feel the way they do. Every child entering secondary school is nervous, and it is natural to be scared and it will not always be like this.

At St Paul’s Way, we pride ourselves on helping our pupils every step of the way in their academic, physical and emotional development. When we take on a pupil, we take the time to ensure we support them to be not just academically successful but also outstanding applicants for future careers.

This means providing an exceptional and innovative curriculum that prepares them not only for their future careers but also equips them with crucial life skills they will carry with them forever.