Primary Schools: Summer School

'Fit for School' at Northfield

Making the move from primary to secondary school is often a daunting prospect for many young people. a weeklong free summer school was held at Northfield Academy that used activities such as drama, dance, storytelling, outdoor education, sport, science and games to help the youngsters prepare for the move and ease the transition into first year.

Around 100 pupils from Northfield Academy's associated schools and University for Children and Communities target schools - Middlefield Primary, Smithfield School, Bramble Brae Primary, Holy Family RC Primary, Muirfield School, Westerton Primary and Quarryhill Primary - took part.

Head teachers were asked to identify pupils who might find the transition overwhelming for a number of reasons including those who have been bullied at school, those who feel isolated due to a variety of social factors or pupils who lack confidence.

Kate Kasprowicz, a former UCC Co-Director, who coordinated a planning group to organise the summer school, said:

"Fit for School aims to promote confidence and self-esteem, to provide enjoyable, challenging and rewarding experiences, to improve motivation and ultimately increase achievement and attainment".

Among the highlights of the week were a two-day session by Mindstore on 'My Amazing Brain' funded by the University for Children and Communities and ' Now you're Cooking' sessions by Health Promotions. The week was rounded off with a celebration involving parents and carers who were able to see what their children had been involved in during the week. Lord Provost Margaret Smith presented University for Children and Communities Certificates to the participants, including the senior pupil 'buddy' volunteers.

University for Children & Communities - University of Aberdeen - Regent Building - King's College - Old Aberdeen AB24 3FX
Telephone: 01224 274694 - Fax: 01224 272478 - Email: a.knight@abdn.ac.uk