Thriving Transitions Workshop at Bartley Secondary School

The jump from primary school to secondary school can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help ease this transition, Make The Change hosted a 3.5-hour workshop for the Secondary 1 students at Bartley Secondary School, designed to equip them with skills to navigate challenges of this pivotal change. The workshop, Thriving Through Transitions, was focused on fostering self-awareness, emotional resilience, and support networks between students; aspects that are essential for a holistic student experience.

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Three Key Segments: I Am, I Can, I Have

The session was divided into the following three key segments—I Am, I Can, and I Have—each one designed to address different facets of holistic student development.

• "I Am" encouraged students to explore their emotions and understand their responses to new situations. Scenarios such as missing old friends or meeting new classmates were discussed to help them build self-awareness and confidence.

• "I Can" focused on equipping students with strategies to manage emotions and take proactive steps in challenging situations. Techniques such as emotional mapping and recognizing emotional triggers were introduced.

• "I Have" highlighted the importance of building a strong support network, encouraging students to identify individuals they can rely on for guidance and support.

Bringing Lessons to Life Through Interactive Activities

To ensure these lessons resonated, each segment was paired with engaging, hands-on activities. Students participated in group discussions, journal writing, and emotional mapping exercises, helping them internalize key takeaways in a practical and relatable manner.

A highlight of the session was a role-playing activity that simulated real-life scenarios, such as navigating a new school environment or resolving conflicts in group projects. This exercise not only reinforced decision-making and problem-solving skills but also served as an icebreaker, allowing students to introduce themselves to their new classmates in an organic and meaningful way.

Students' Takeaways: Confidence, Connection, and Clarity

The impact of the program was evident in student's feedback. Many appreciated the opportunity to share their thoughts and learn practical strategies for overcoming common challenges.

Hear from the students themselves:

“I now know how to handle my emotions better and ask for help when I need it.” 

"The activities helped me feel more confident about meeting new people.”

Students left feeling more prepared, reassured, and empowered to navigate the ups and downs of secondary school life.

A Step Towards a Supportive School Culture

Looking ahead, the thriving transitions workshop was without a doubt a resounding success, contributing significantly to the holistic development of Secondary 1 students. By addressing emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of support systems, the workshop equipped students with the tools to thrive in their new environment.

Embrace the journey, seek support, and take each challenge as an opportunity to grow.

We look forward to organizing more initiatives in the future that empower the young changemakers to create a nurturing space for growth. Contact us here if you are looking to bring innovative and captivating programs to your school!