The value of some form of transition support and/or intervention is also widely accepted and, in particular, research shows the benefits of helping children develop their social and personal skills such as friendship, self-esteem, resilience and confidence in order to enhance a smooth transition between primary and secondary school (Evangelou et. al., 2008).
As adults, we are familiar with feelings experienced with change; anticipation, excitement, curiosity, all of which can be tempered by feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and bewilderment. Dealing positively with these experiences at key points of transition – such as starting school, moving from primary to secondary, even moving up year groups – can have a lasting effect on how we deal with change as adults, as well as far-reaching effects on a child’s emotional well-being and academic achievements.
Our capacity to cope with change is influenced by many factors, including nature, nurture and events. But it is a sad fact that in our society many children do not have the stable, loving, trusting support of family and adults which builds confidence in a young person’s own social or educational abilities. Transition for all young people, particularly young children, can induce strong emotions and managing these, along with all the changes associated with the move to secondary school, can be very difficult.
Supporting young people with additional interventions can bring huge benefits. We focus on the development of soft skills including self-confidence, self-belief and self-discipline, all of which build character and resilience so that young people can positively
Building on the positives! At Challenger Troop this is all-important to us. Challenger Troop CIC’s transition programmes are designed to increase the capacity of young people to cope with change; giving them a positive experience of managing change, confidence and belief in their own abilities, and equipping them with the skills to overcome difficult situations.
We encourage optimism and work with the excitement and anticipation young people experience when undertaking our various activities in unfamiliar locations and help them to quickly overcome the anxieties they feel whilst trying out new things.
Throughout our programmes we encourage our participants to help make a difference to others, by involving them in providing support to their peers. They are encouraged to do this as an integral part of forming everyday friendships. We encourage the understanding that experience of adversity is a great part of personal development; that without challenge in our lives, we may never learn how resourceful and resilient we are.
This is what our courses offer at a most crucial time in the lives of young people. To find out more click here…
"Outdoor learning is giving them back their childhood wonder and curiosity at new things, allowing them to experience the marvel of discovery and the learning that comes from taking risks"
