ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on an understanding of potential barriers to successful transition. It explores the ways to support transition and considers the use of transition/bridging units. The chapter also considers ways to potentially alleviate some of the transition anxiety, noting that such strategies can also stimulate effective professional learning for teachers who gain knowledge of other phases when working together on a smoother transfer. The reasons why children could find transition to a new phase or school difficult can be grouped into the following areas: environment, relationships, pedagogy, curriculum and assessment. A transition/bridging unit is one way to smooth transfer between settings. School transfer or transition to a new phase of education can lead to a dip in enthusiasm and attainment in science as pupils struggle to understand a different environment and pedagogy.
