By Karel van der Linden
Deputy Head of Primary
As the academic year ends at Northbridge International School Cambodia and other schools in Phnom Penh, many students and parents are bracing themselves for one of the most significant transitions in a child's educational journey – the leap from Grade 5 to Grade 6.
This transition marks a pivotal moment in a child's development, as they move from the familiar surroundings of Primary school into the uncharted territory of Secondary school. However, with careful planning, support, and a holistic approach, this transition can be made smoother and more manageable for everyone involved.
At the heart of easing this transition lies the collaboration between educators, parents, and students themselves. Recognizing the importance of this, our school has implemented a range of strategies to support students during this period of change. One such strategy is the organization of parent workshops aimed at providing guidance and support to parents as they navigate this transition alongside their children.
Parent Workshops
These workshops supported the understanding of the academic and social expectations of Secondary school, tips for effective communication with teachers, and strategies for supporting their child's emotional well-being during this time of change. Taster lessons and joining in some Secondary assemblies gave our students a real insight into what life will be like in August.
Buddy Programs
Additionally, we implemented buddy programs to provide additional support to vulnerable students as they transition to Grade 6. These buddy systems paired some of our G5 students with a G6 student who can offer guidance, friendship, and support. Having a buddy can help ease the anxieties of transitioning students, providing them with a familiar face and a sense of belonging in their new environment.
The transition from Grade 5 to Grade 6 is a significant milestone in a child's educational journey. By implementing parent workshops, buddy programs, and taking a holistic approach to support students' academic, social, emotional, and psychological well-being, our school has helped ease the transition and ensure that all students feel prepared and supported as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
When people think about leadership, what often comes to mind are the concepts of power, decision making, delegating and innovation. Seldom does one think about care, empathy, kindness, and generosity – however these traits that highlight the emotional skills for successful and effective leadership, including by students at Northbridge International School Cambodia, are just as important.
What are the Primary Arts all about? Is it just a load of fun and messing around? It is fun, which is why we love it but there is so much more to the programme than some people might think.
Take a visit to our early learning spaces at Northbridge International School Cambodia, both inside and out, and you will observe a wealth of play activities happening. Students are interacting in playing on their own (solo play), playing with the same thing or in the same space (mirrored play) or sharing together (collaborative play).
