Will I get lost? Will I make any friends? What if I get a detention? These are big questions, especially when you are 11 years old and about to leave the place you’ve been going to every day, since you were 5 years old. ‘Starting Senior School’ is a complete companion guide that will ease children’s transition from Primary to Senior school, providing practical information, emotional support and strategies for coping with everything, from organisation to homework to friendship groups. There are organisational planners to fill in as well as plentiful areas to journal, express hopes, worries, and record achievements. Each chapter contains thought experiments and can be effectively used as the basis for classroom discussions. Written in an approachable and non-patronising style, this book will serve as an indispensable resource for tutors and PSHE teachers, preparing their year 6 pupils to take the next step and supporting them as they progress through year 7. Wellbeing is prioritised, and the book features a ‘Chill Skills’ chapter offering suggestions and proven techniques for managing stress and promoting emotional wellbeing. There are also effective tips and support for handling anxiety producing situations, such as detentions, end of year exams or bullying. This book is also an ideal resource to recommend to parents of children who are finding the transition to Senior School challenging.

PSHE pocket sized carry cards to give as rewards, encouragement or empowerment to children. Cards have pictures and images for a range of purposes, from encouraging children to take a chance, slow down breathing in a panic attack, or find the courage to say ‘no’ when needed - to recording worries, reporting bullying or simply taking a break. Supplied as a printable PDF with 16 different card designs. Children love to carry these cards and they make a useful PSHE tool for teachers, headteachers and support staff.

An activity for year 6 pupils to help prepare them for the transition to Secondary School. A useful basis for classroom discussion in PSHE or Tutor group sessions, children visualise what they hope Senior School will be like for them - who they might meet, what they might enjoy, what they would like to achieve etc… Children are encouraged to think positively about the transition to Senior School and find aspects to look forward to. The activity may also bring up concerns or worries which can then be discussed. This resource is a free extract from the book ‘Starting Senior School -The Ultimate Companion Guide To Year 7’ which is also available on this site.

A guide to making new friends when moving to Secondary School and leaving old friends behind. An ideal basis for discussion in Year 6 PSHE or Tutor group sessions, this resource looks at common worries children have about making new friends and provides support, reassurance and practical tips. This resource was made in conjunction with current Year 6 and Year 7 pupils and addresses the issues and anxieties that were important to them. It is a free extract from the book ‘Starting Senior School- The Ultimate Companion Guide’, also available on this site.

A support for new Year 7 students in organisation and packing their bag effectively for the next day of school. A planner can be filled in and form the basis of discussion in PSHE or Tutor Group sessions. Different subjects and books/equipment to bring each day can be a challenge for children who have just transitioned from Primary School, where they may have spent most of their day in one room and with the same teacher. This resource provides practical help and tips in getting organised and avoiding consequences such as demerits or detentions for forgotten books, homework or equipment. This resource is a free extract from the book ‘Starting SEnior School - The Ultimate Guide to Year 7’ which is also available on this site.