The transition from Primary (PYP) to Secondary (MYP) is a key milestone. To ensure this change felt smooth, progressive, and supportive, throughout September we developed a Welcome and Transition Programme designed to accompany our Grade 6 / MYP 2 students. Our Goal? Beyond simply explaining the rules or structure of the MYP (Middle Years Programme), our aim was to help students build their new identity as Secondary learners: ensuring they understand the programme's tools, gain autonomy, and feel confident tackling new methodological and digital challenges. Learning by Doing, Inquiring, and Playing Using an "MYP Passport" as our guiding thread, students completed hands-on challenges led by tutors and coordinators: Skill Strategists: They took part in an Escape Room ("Who am I?") and the "What’s in my backpack?" activity to connect with their IB Learner Profile attributes. Concept and Context Detectives: They explored how perspectives change depending on the subject (Concept Detectives) and linked their learning to the real world. Inquiry Architects: They created mini-units using a puzzle of concepts, contexts, and questions (factual, conceptual, and debatable). Assessment for Growth: They experienced the value of formative and summative assessment, saw firsthand how feedback improves their work, and decoded Criteria A, B, C, and D. Service and Digital Environment: They reflected on social impact ideas within the Service as Action programme and completed a digital scavenger hunt (Toddle Bootcamp) to master their new learning platform. The programme culminated in the MYP Challenge, a final Escape Room where students integrated everything they had learned to complete their passport and receive their "MYP Ready" certificate. We know that adaptation is an ongoing process and that everyday questions will continue to arise (something entirely natural when learning by doing!) but they now have the compass and tools needed to thrive in this exciting new stage.
