This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Project helps pupils prepare for secondary school
30/08/2004
Deputy Finance and Public Services Minister Tavish Scott today saw first-hand how pupils in Renfrewshire are making a smoother transition from primary to secondary.
The Minister met teachers and pupils at Renfrew High to find out more about Renfrewshire Council's P7 transition scheme. It aims to ensure pupils settle into S1 easier and enjoy a good start to life in secondary school.
Mr Scott met pupils from Renfrew High and Park Mains High in Erskine. He said:
"The transition between primary and secondary has long been a matter of interest and often concern. Many pupils find the change difficult and attainment often dips, particularly in Maths and English.
"The Education Inspectorate highlighted important concerns about these areas in a report in 1999. And, less formally, many involved in Scottish education continue to see ongoing problems with the transition from primary to secondary.
"The Inspectorate is currently working on a review of recent inspection evidence in order that they can offer an update in this important area. This report is nearing completion but is not yet ready for publication.
"I was therefore encouraged to hear first-hand how Renfrewshire Council is addressing this issue in the meantime. Their primary seven transitional scheme is an excellent project which prepares pupils for life in secondary school.
"Speaking to some of the pupils and teachers from Renfrew High and Park Mains High, it is clear this scheme is working well. It is an example that other authorities and schools could learn from - innovative ideas such as this are vital if we are to give every child the chance to fulfil their potential."
John Rooney, Renfrewshire Council's Head of Support for Learning, said:
"We believe Renfrewshire's approach on this issue has pioneered new ways of helping pupils and their families make the transition from primary to secondary school. Over the last year, primary seven pupils in over three quarters of Renfrewshire schools have taken part in the transition workshops and summer programmes offered by our family support service in conjunction with local secondary schools.
"The key aims include improving the confidence of pupils, raising awareness of issues such as making new friends and bullying, and perhaps most importantly making youngsters and parents aware of the wide range of support on offer. Each of Renfrewshire's four area family support teams has run a successful transition programme over the last two summers."