St Machar Academy - Transitions

Transitions

The Transitions Group has been running for six years and during this time, we have witnessed pupils moving on to a range of positive destinations ranging from university courses, college courses, supported college courses and other support services, such as Project Search. We also have strong links with Skills Development Scotland and work closely with them to ensure young people move on to an appropriate destination.

"Transitions Group" is delivered at St Machar Academy by Mrs Bonner in small groups of 4-7 participants weekly over the school year.

Mrs Bonner

Content

S1 sessions include:

Settling into secondary school
Emotions about our new school
People who can help us
Relationships - focus on making and sustaining friendships
Sexual health - puberty and personal hygiene
Personal safety

S2 sessions include:

Understanding disability and difference
What is autism?
Social skills - eye contact, personal space
Communication skills - what is communication, small talk, starting and ending a conversation, turn taking
Sensitive subjects - how to discuss
Keeping on topic

S3 sessions include:

Emotional control
Anger management
Anxiety
Mindfullness and meditation
Sleep
Relationships - appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, relationship problems
Team work

Aims

The aims of this programme is to support young people who have a diagnosis or are seeking a diagnosis of autism in S1 to S3. Pupils may still access support if this is needed in S4 to S6. This group may als be suitable for young people who have issues with social skills or anxiety.

Criteria

Pupils are identified during the transition from P7 to S1 whoever young people can be added in at any stage in consultation with Targeted Support teachers and Guidance Teachers, dependant on spaces. Young persons or parents looking to refer should discuss suitablility in the first instance with the appropriate Guidance Teacher.

Measured Impact

Impact will be measured by:

pupils feel supported appropriately in school
pupils will have a trusted adult to approach regarding concerns
stall will be able to implement appropriate strategies for young people
school will be a positive autism friendly environment