ABSTRACT
Across countries and eras, children have similar hopes and fears about transition. They also recount characteristic tales of violence, humiliation, dangerous teachers and work pressure occurring in their new schools. Children's fears about transition can be caused by hearing frightening stories about what happens after changing schools. The lavatory story is the most recurrent school transition myth. Expectations about school transition clearly reflect their developmental state. Traditionally, secondary schools provide children with a more intensive learning experience. Children's hopes for learning are often balanced by their fears. Many children worry about encountering more difficult work, increased academic pressure and adjusting to new subjects. Myths illustrate how children construct the world of early adolescence in the school context. Children also worry that their lack of personal maturity will prevent them from being organised in their new schools, especially when they will be in charge of their own equipment for the first time.
