ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an understanding of the complexities of transitioning from primary to secondary school for young adolescent learners. It discusses the academic decline often experienced by young adolescents during transition. The transition from primary to middle or secondary school is often associated with a drop in academic achievement regardless of the age and year level at which transition takes place. The effective transitioning of young adolescents to high school underpins a number of the education principles that provide a quality school environment for young adolescents; hence, it is an important topic to explore in the context of middle years learners. The transition from primary to junior secondary coincides with physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth and development which occur during the adolescent years. Effecting transition has the potential to impact significantly on the experiences of middle years students. Schools can implement a range of adjustments to facilitate positive transitions in the middle years.
