Having taught at i-Learner for around five years, I have seen countless students make their journeys through primary school and onto secondary school. From this experience, I have been able to observe the specific ways in which students can best prepare themselves for the jump, ensuring that they adapt well and get the most out of their studies from S1 onwards.

1. Consolidate your primary school studies
P6 is a good chance for students to review all they have learnt and solidify their foundations before they move onto more difficult material. This could be polishing their grammar, reviewing any vocabulary or revisiting reading and writing skills.
One way students can consolidate their learning is by reading plenty of new books over P6 and the summer before secondary school. The local library should have lots of books that challenge and stretch even strong students.

2. Prepare to think about your studies in a broader way
It is important that students prepare for a different mode of learning in secondary school. Primary school learning tends to be focused on smaller, task-based exercises that require facts and knowledge to complete, whereas secondary school learning begins to be more project-based and requires broader analytical thinking skills.
In the summer before secondary school, students can consider trying a course in something they haven’t studied before. Taking classes in robotics or art can introduce children to new skills where they learn something different.

3. Practise working more independently
As students grow up, they will need to learn to manage their workload independently. Unlike in primary school where parents tend to take a fairly active role in a child’s school work, secondary school is a chance for children to become more independent learners.
In P6 they can begin to timetable their own homework schedules and learn to ask for help or information when they need it. Students can begin asking themselves questions like ‘Have I done my homework?’ or ‘What information do I need to complete this piece of homework?’ This way of taking charge of their own learning and workload is an invaluable skill for students as they progress through secondary school and into the world beyond.
Another practical way to get used to taking on more responsibility is to help out more around the house. Dividing up tasks and responsibilities and creating chore schedules is great practice for the more independent learning style of secondary school.

These are some of the simplest but most effective tips that have helped my students in the past. If children can end P6 feeling positive and excited about their learning, knowing they have got everything they can out of primary school, then they will no doubt go on to make the most of the secondary school experience.

i-Learner’s summer programmes are a great opportunity to boost your child’s skills before they make the jump to S1. We offer intensive classes in subjects such as reading, writing and grammar, as well as fun workshops and week-long Scholars Camps. Keep an eye on our list of courses for this year’s summer course announcements.