Information sharing between primary and secondary is a key ingredient to a successful transition process.

Sharing information around past experiences and future aspirations with secondary colleagues enables them to plan effective engagements in KS3 and beyond.

Working with clusters of primary and secondary schools from the region, we have captured some examples of best practice and trialled new approaches to careers related transition activities.

Email goodcareers@nelep.co.uk to find out more about our Transition Programme.

Working with a pair of schools in Newcastle we have trialled an approach to transition involving peer support – utilising volunteer ‘Careers Champions’ from secondary school to answer questions from Year 6 pupils.

Below you’ll find all of the resources required to bring this activity to life in your school(s), including a teacher guide, lesson presentation and pupil resources.

Alongside this we’ve provided tips to consider when recording questions and responses, as well as a guide for the secondary pupils who are supporting the activity.

The ‘My Career Learning Log’ was developed as part of the Our Future Derby programme, a Department for Education and Derby City Council funded initiative, which is operating throughout seven Wards in the Derby Opportunity Area.

The programme connects 32 Derby Primary Schools with local businesses, to help raise children’s aspirations and broaden their horizons. By using the learning log alongside all careers activities, every learner is encouraged and supported to set their sights high and broaden their ambitions.

Learners undertake a journey of reflection and take ownership of, and responsibility for, their own learning and personal development. A log of their reflections are recorded by the child to support their knowledge and understanding of the wide range of jobs they have learnt about and can aspire to.

By providing and recognising careers related learning experiences, children can use the learning log to independently self-assess and self-reflect on the key skills they are developing. There are 2 versions of the learning log, one for KS1 and one for KS2 pupils. Both learning logs are designed in such a way that the log grows with them, continually capturing learning and achievements in exciting ways to demonstrate and celebrate the skills and knowledge they are building whilst making the explicit link between what they learn at school and their future career success.

Working with a school clusters from the region we have documented existing best practice and trialled new approaches to careers related transition activities. You can read more about each below.