It’s Your Move

Beginning something new is always a challenge and can often be exciting and scary at the same time.  When you’re just 11 or 12 and are faced with the major change from primary to secondary school, and could be daunted by the prospect, then it isn’t such a bad idea to find out what the new life is going to involve.

Scripture Union (England & Wales) have produced a booklet called It’s your Move which is designed to give Primary 7 children the kind of information that will answer many of the questions they have about going to secondary school. (It's Your Move (Pack of 10) - Your guide to moving to secondary school - £20 available from www.scriptureunion.org.uk

It has also been adapted to form the basis of a stand-alone 2 hour session for pupils with challenges, videos, and reflective activities. You can view and dowload the lesson plan for free here.

The first step is to discuss the opportunity with school management. Be transparent and up front that this booklet is coming from a Christian perspective. Suggest to them that they may wish to inform parents that the booklet will be on offer for children. Once agreed, it would be expected that the Church would supply the books, free of charge, and they could be offered to P7 children on a take-it or leave-it basis. You might also offer to support the school by helping in classes that prepare children for the transition ahead.

Ross Murray, Senior Youth and Schools Worker at the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Reachout Trust, gives an introduction below to delivering the It's Your Move to classes. With over 20 years experience as a full time youth worker, he also offers some invaluable tips and insights into using the transition lesson plan.