Our Mission Transition programme came about in 2017 and was an instant hit with those who used it, with its mix of drama and other activities to help children going to secondary school gain confidence and resilience ahead of their move to “big” school.
Over the years it has evolved, with the biggest changes made last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. No longer was it possible for our drugs educators to go into schools and work directly with children in the way we had done previously, but equally never had the need been greater for something to ease what can be a tricky transition between primary/prep and secondary/senior school, as the usual induction days were cancelled for fear of bursting bubbles.
The same format has been retained for this year: Mission Transition can be delivered by school staff either face to face with their classes, or via facilitated online sessions if the bubble has burst and gone to remote learning. The comprehensive resource pack has been reviewed and updated, but continues to cover topics such as core values, decision making and dealing with peer pressure, to equip children with the skills they need at a time when they might be feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
As with everything we do, Mission Transition is offered free of charge to state-maintained schools – though we are so lucky that some make a donation or do some fundraising for us in return – and getting hold of it is as straightforward as dropping an email to amanda@dsmfoundation.org.uk
