Some aspects of transition from years 6 to 7 in the Australian Capital Territory

Abstract

In 1980, the A.C.T. Schools' Authority through the curriculum development section together with its curriculum consultants, helped to initiate and develop a pilot programme In relation to Year 6 students about to proceed to Year 7. This programme was made possible by the co-operative participation of both primary and secondary schools, their principals and staffs. The programme aimed at building bridges between primary and secondary schools, between primary and secondary teachers and between the curriculum of primary and secondary schools. This study began, as has been said, where a Pilot Programme introduced by the A.C.T. Schools' Authority, by its Curriculum Development Section, left off. It aimed to explore further the nature of the 'day to day' reality experienced by some Year 6 students in the Australian Capital Territory. In addition, it aimed to explore and gain insights into the process of transition by following up those students who had been part of the sample in Year 6. It includes individual perceptions of the process. In designing research instruments and investigating the process of transition, certain theoretical concepts drawn from both psychology and sociology were used to crystallise the observations made. In addition, earlier studies concerning transition were assessed as well as those in related areas. In the process of this field study, many observations were made, some contradictory, and generally the field study seems to have raised as many questions as it has answered. As might have been expected, any study dealing with human reaction is complex-more so when there are different types of institutions to be considered. Nonetheless it is only apparently inconclusive enquiries like this which will add to the store of knowledge and allow assumptions to be replaced by more precise data.

Date of Award	1983
Original language	English