The smart way to prepare for secondary school

Niamh Clarke

ISPCC Community Engagement Manager, Smart Moves

The free ‘Smart Moves’ programme can help children make a smooth and stress-free transition to secondary school.

The move from primary to secondary school is one of the biggest challenges that Ireland’s children will face in their academic careers. Thankfully, ISPCC offers a toolkit for schools that can have a hugely beneficial impact.

Whole school approach

ISPCC’s Smart Moves programme takes a whole school community approach. Since its launch in 2021, it has received rave reviews. It[AO1]  is a free, resilience and evidence-based programme for both primary and secondary school pupils.

It provokes discussions within the class setting, and this peer-to-peer support can be invaluable for young people who are worried about what the future may hold.

Teacher-led

The primary programme is teacher-led and includes 15 short lessons covering topics from friendship to problem-solving to sleep difficulties. Smart Moves is also teacher-led at secondary school. It involves 24 sessions covering a myriad of topics, including organisational ability, friendship and conflict resolution. Each lesson lasts 30 minutes.

Students and teachers who have
completed the programme
describe it as a game-changer.

Easing transitions

Students and teachers who have completed the programme describe it as a game-changer. One sixth-class pupil said: “It made me feel more prepared by talking about my feelings and other people’s feelings.”

Meanwhile, a teacher said: “We could see children’s confidence grow, and there was a visible reduction in anxiety about the move to secondary.” Another teacher said: “It allows them to discuss their fears, and these conversations calm them and show them how they can prepare for what is to come.”

TESS-recommended

Smart Moves has been used by over 1,100 schools and School Completion Programmes (SCPs). It is included in a list of TESS-recommended resources, which can be used for transition work in SCP projects nationwide.

When a teacher registers for the programme, they receive a guidebook and an instructional video as well as student journals, posters and an introductory letter for parents. There is no additional training needed for facilitators.