Depending on the particular setup of their school, most Kiwi kids leave primary school at the end of Year 6, although some leave at Year 8, if the school includes Year 7 & 8. It’s a transition that parents, children and teachers are mindful of as the end of the year draws nearer.

It can be an emotional time for a child, moving onto something new and leaving the familiar. The process needs to be supported by parents, teachers, schools and the wider educational community to ensure it is a positive experience.

The NZ Ministry of Education has set up Communities of Learning, to help ease this transition.  When schools children move on from and move into, collaborate and share expertise, children and young peoples' learning pathways are supported and their transition through the education system improved.

Top 5 Tips

1. Bring your child along to intermediate/college open days/evenings. Some schools offer Year 6 transition days where students get to spend a whole day at the school to see what it’s like.

2. Children don’t like to stand out from their peers so be prepared. Make sure your child has everything they need (stationary, uniform etc.) to start at their new school.

3. If your child is going to start bussing to their new school, make sure they know where to get on and off the bus, what the procedure is etc.

4. It’s a good idea to walk around the school grounds outside school hours with your child so they become more familiar with the layout of their new school.

5. Be mindful that your child will probably be more tired than usual (and perhaps will need a little more TLC) as they adjust to their new school and routine.