Transition Between Primary and Secondary School: Why it is Important and How it can be Supported

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine

This paper identifies and critiques literature on the experience of transition between primary and secondary school, examining how and why it is viewed as critical and how it can be supported. The literature review aims to remind readers of the challenges young people face during this period, while noting broad agreement that well designed transition approaches can support students, families, and school staff. It also emphasizes the role of teachers and teacher education in preparing graduates to mediate transition-related pressures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Australian Journal of Teacher Education | Volume 38 | Issue 1 | Article 5 | | --- | --- | 2013 Transition Between Primary and Secondary School: Why it is Important and How it can be Supported Ria Hanewald Dr Deakin University, [r.hanewald@yahoo.com](r.hanewald@yahoo.com) Recommended Citation Hanewald, Ria Dr (2013) "Transition Between Primary and Secondary School: Why it is Important and How it can be Supported,"Australian Journal of Teacher Education: Vol. 38: Iss. 1, Article 5. Available at: [http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol38/iss1/5](http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol38/iss1/5) This Journal Article is posted at Research Online. [http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol38/iss1/5](http://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol38/iss1/5) Australian Journal of Teacher Education Transition Between Primary and Secondary School: Why it is Important and How it can be Supported Ria Hanewald Deakin University Abstract: This paper identifies and critiques literature on the experience of transition between primary and secondary school; how and why it is seen as critical and in what ways it can be supported. The aim of this literature review is to remind readers of this important period on the lives of young people and the diverse range of issues which they face. There is general consensus in the literature that well designed and implemented transition approaches can assist in the process of supporting students, their families and school staff. Teachers are crucial in supporting children and young people moving in, between and out of school and making these transitions positive experiences. Therefore, pre-service teacher education needs to include awareness and understanding of the main issues in relation to transition. Teacher educators need to consider how they can incorporate transition programs and strategies in their courses to ensure that graduate teachers have the skills and knowledge to mediate some of the pressures that their students are facing when dealing with transitions. Introduction The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in Victoria defines transition as ‘... a period of change that can be both challenging and exciting, in which children and families adjust to new roles, identities and expectations, new interactions and new relationships’ (DEECD, 2011) . Although it is known that transition can profoundly alter the school experience, less is known about how children, young people, their families and teachers perceive transition and how it alters their educational trajectory. The aims, therefore, of this literature review are to identify empirical research focusing on the experience of transition, particularly from primary to secondary school and to describe how and why transition is seen as critical and to unpack it in what ways. Methods During December 2011, a search was made across several data bases (Academic Search, A+ Education Informit, Education Research Complete, ERIC, Ebsco Host, Humanities and Social Sciences Collection) for research on children and young people and their families and teachers’ experience of transition between primary and secondary schools published between December 2005 and December 2011. Vol 38, 1 January, 2013 62 Australian Journal of Teacher Education The search was made using the key words ‘transition’, ‘school’, ‘primary’ and‘secondary’. Studies were eligible for inclusion in this review if they involved typically developing children or young people in formal, mainstream education aged 10 to 14 years. They also had to be published in the English language, be peer reviewed and have used qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. Studies including children and young people with disabilities, chronic ill health conditions, special needs, gifted children or focusing on a particular social disadvantage such as ethnic or indigenous backgrounds or circumstances (refugee, immigrant, nomad, mobile families, home schooling) or cur

FAQs

What does the paper focus on regarding school transition?

It reviews and critiques literature about the transition experience between primary and secondary school, including why it is important and how it can be supported.

How were studies selected in the literature review?

Searches were conducted across multiple databases for work published between December 2005 and December 2011, focusing on typically developing learners aged 10 to 14 in mainstream education, published in English and using qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

What did the review find about the perspective and scope of research?

The final sample included 37 studies examining transition from primary to secondary school from multiple perspectives, with common foci such as belonging, wellbeing, academic development, friendships, self-esteem, adjustment, and related challenges like bullying.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Jasmine