What does good transition between Key Stages 2 and 3 look like?

Transitions. Pivotal points in a child’s life and a phase in the educational journey that should be celebrated. How do we ensure that transitions are efficiently prepared for, when an ever increasing list of school pressures means that transitions can feel like the poor relation in the list of priorities? Ensuring a smooth transition between key stages can be challenging, particularly in foundation subjects. This article examines what good transition between Key Stages 2 and 3 looks like and how we can promote the development of children’s historical understanding at this critical juncture.

Throughout the research for this article the need to continue to motivate and enthuse children via engagement with challenging and interesting content was considered the best preparation for a successful move across a key phase...