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Transition is the process of adjustment from one situation to another. It can be both exciting and daunting as people move through significant life stages and changes throughout the life span. Some of these transition phases can be positive and stimulating while others can be distressing and full of difficulties and challenges. Changes can be expected or unexpected and sometimes many changes come all at one time. More often than not people experience common life transitions as a mixture of positive and negative emotions and events. This is why transition is often referred to as a ‘rollercoaster’ experience. Given the stressful nature of transition, these periods can be a time of increased vulnerability for the development of mental health problems.
The Tropical Population Health Network in North Queensland has developed a series of school based resources which are designed to assist children and young people through periods of transition. The resources utilise a range of strategies such as skill development, the development of supportive environments and networks and strategies designed to increase awareness and knowledge about transition issues.
Changing Tracks is a program addressing the transition from primary to secondary school. It incorporates a skill development approach which identifies and enhances protective factors for mental health and minimises the associated risk factors with social and educational change during the year 7 to 8 transition.
Protective factors include the development of self esteem and self talk, the enhancement of problem solving and coping skills and the promotion of a sense of connectedness to family school and community.
The Changing Tracks resources are found on the program resources page.
Taking Big Steps is a culturally specific and inclusive transition program primarily developed for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help increase their awareness and understanding of issues associated with moving away from rural and remote communities to regional or urban areas for secondary education.
It includes strategies for students, school personnel, service providers, parents and caregivers to prepare young people for change. This program aims to enhance skills in problem solving, goal setting and help seeking behaviour to assist students in adjusting to change.
Taking Big Steps resources are found on the program resources page.
WARNING: PEOPLE OF ABORIGINAL OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER DESCENT ARE WARNED THAT THE TAKING BIG STEPS RESOURCES CONTAIN IMAGES OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SINCE PASSED AWAY. WHILST THE FAMILIES HAVE GIVEN THEIR PERMISSION FOR THE RESOURCES TO BE USED AND PARTICIPANTS CONSENTED TO UNLIMITED USE OF THE RESOURCES, IF THESE IMAGES ARE LIKELY TO DISTRESS YOU PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM.
Leaving School: I’m Outta Here! is a school based program that involves Year 12 students and their parents coming together for an evening workshop. The workshop is designed to facilitate discussion and communication about the factors than can influence young people’s transition from school to life after school, and the strategies that can assist them and their parents during this major life event.
The resources for Leaving School: I’m Outta Here! can be found on the resources page.
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