Supporting Secondary School Transition across Bolton
Week Commencing 23rd September saw our Premier League Inspires team host transition support sessions across 4 local secondary schools providing additional support to pupils beginning their journey at secondary school.
Across Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, Kings Leadership Academy Bolton, Sharples School and Westhoughton High School a range of small group or 1:1 support sessions were provided. Sessions were designed to support students to understand their anxieties and worries about starting secondary school. Depending on individual needs students were encouraged to discuss the changes they have either found challenging or enjoyed during their transition.
Sessions focused on building confidence, facilitating discussion through a range of methods including artwork, yoga, mindfulness and games leading to discussions about how we take care of our physical and mental health. Pupils were also encouraged to share different strategies which could help them during the transitional period including working on communication skills.
Overall, our transition support groups over the week were a huge success helping pupils feel more confident with their transition to year 7. One group of students described their session as ‘fun’ stating that by the end of their work with the team they felt ‘relaxed and calm’. Another student said the session left them feeling ‘more comfortable’ and that they ‘had learnt a lot’.
Premier League Inspires is a project ran by our Education and Mentoring team supporting young people aged 11-25 who are marginalised or at risk of not reaching their potential and supporting them as they move through the education system and early adulthood.
Our offer includes providing real life opportunities, enhancing wellbeing, supporting participants, supporting schools and alternative educational establishments to keep pupils present and committed, 1-1 mentoring and providing positive outcomes through education.
For more information regarding Premier League Inspires please email gdanby@bwitc.org.uk