Seek a conversation with the teacher
To make the right decision, active communication with the class teacher is particularly important. The teacher experiences the child in class every day and can realistically assess their learning behavior. They know which knowledge gaps still need to be closed before the transition and which learning techniques should be practiced. They also know the requirements of secondary schools and can give valuable tips for preparing for lower secondary education.
Identify the child's strengths and weaknesses
Transition Before moving on to a secondary school, it is worthwhile to assess the child's potential. What should the child be able to do? To first get an overview yourself, the following questions could be helpful:
How are the child's school results?
How are their learning and work habits?
What are their strengths as a learner?
Do they have interests and favorite subjects?
Is the child in primary school rather over- or under-challenged?
How do they behave when interacting with other children (e.g., in conflicts)?
Get to know the possible schools
When transitioning to secondary school, it is highly recommended to get to know the different schools. This way a first impression can be gained:
Obtain information from the school's website
Visit the school building
Ask other parents and children about their experiences
Attend a school festival
Attend an open day
If possible, this getting-to-know process should take place together with the child so they can find out for themselves which school they like.
Support the child
The transition from primary school to secondary school is an exciting time full of changes for children. Soon there will be new teachers, different subjects and more homework. Learning behavior must also change and the demands on motivation and concentration increase. Especially at Gymnasium (the academic secondary school), a lot of personal responsibility, independent learning and abstract thinking are required from the start. Now more than ever, parents should support the children and encourage them.
Preparation is everything
Every child perceives the transition to secondary school differently. For some it is no problem, but others are very excited and somewhat unsure. In such situations it is important to awaken excitement for the new school. Joint preparation is then essential. For example, it can help to go shopping for school supplies together with the child. After all, for secondary school more notebooks, pens, a new pencil case, a larger schoolbag and many other things are needed. This also helps the child develop a sense of security and the confidence to start the new school well prepared.
