Psychological processes
during primary-secondary
school transition
Dr Michelle Sancho
Academic and Professional Tutor -UCL
&
Senior EP -West Berkshire
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Rationale for Study
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‘Adjust positively to change’, Every Child Matters (DFES,
2003).
Distinctive difference of EPs is in finding alternative
explanations for common problems (Cameron, 2006).
Transition found to have a negative impact on
academic performance (Galton, 2000).
Studies have failed to provide satisfactory explanations
for downturn.
Studies have not focused on psycho-social factors
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Part of the Human Condition?
‘I am human because I belong. I participate. I share.’
Desmond Tutu
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Sense of Belonging and School
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Needs to be satisfied before other needs (Maslow,
1962).
A sense of belonging has been found to have a positive
influence on academic motivation and achievement
(Goodenow, 1993).
Gang-related problems increase when children do not
have a sense of belonging to school (Burnett & Walz,
1994).
Lack of a sense of belonging has associated with drug
use and negative behaviour in school (Battistich &
Hom, 1997).
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Definition of Belonging
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‘The experience of personal involvement in a
system or environment so that persons feel
themselves to be an integral part of that system
or environment.’
Dimensions include valued involvement and fit.
Hagerty et al. (1992)
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Perspective of Study
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Qualitative study.
Focus on pupil experiences of transition and of a
sense of belonging.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Design of Study
Phase 1
 Five focus groups in three primary schools.
 Pilot focus group conducted in school not in involved
in the study.
 Took place towards the end of Year 6.
 Involved 30 pupils.
 Questions related to primary school experience, sense
of belonging, views of secondary school.
 Derived 16 themes which were the basis for phase 2 of
the study.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Design of Study
Phase 2
 Pilot interviews with 3 pupils.
 Individual semi-structured interviews with 10
selected pupils.
 Interviews conducted towards the end of the
pupils’ first term in secondary school.
 Transcripts analysed using interpretative
phenomenological analysis (Smith, 1995).
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Key Findings
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Transition to secondary school viewed positively
by pupils.
Relationships with peers and teachers were
viewed as important.
Pupils reported that they experienced a stronger
sense of belonging at secondary school than
they had at primary school.
Tutor groups viewed as key in supporting the
development of a sense of belonging.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Key Findings
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Descriptions of a sense of belonging included
proactive behaviour, positive attitude to learning
and emotional well-being.
Descriptions of a lack of a sense of belonging
included withdrawn behaviour, a negative
attitude to learning and negative emotions.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Implications for Schools
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Increase awareness of the importance of a sense
of belonging in schools.
Increase opportunities for positive interaction
between pupils.
Training for tutors and key staff.
Develop practice in primary schools.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Implications for Educational
Psychologists
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Increased involvement in transition
programmes.
Training for schools.
Consideration during individual and group
interventions.
Further research.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
Summary
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Sense of belonging appears to be a very relevant
concept when considering transition from
primary to secondary school.
Pupils’ accounts vary from primary to secondary
school but both contain elements of valued
involvement and fit.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010
References
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Battistich, V., & Hom, A. (1997). The relationship between students’ sense of their community
and their involvement in problem behaviors. American Journal of Public Health, 87, 1997–2001.
Burnett, G., & Walz, C. (1994). Gangs in the schools. New York: Clearinghouse on Urban Education
Digest.
Cameron, R. J., (2006). Educational Psychology: The distinctive contribution. Educational Psychology
in Practice, 22 (4), 289-304.
Department for Education and Skills (DFES). (2003). Every child matters. London: The Stationery
Office.
Galton, M. (2000). School transfer and transition. International Journal of Educational Research, 33,
321-323.
Goodenow, C. (1993). The psychological sense of school membership among adolescent: Scale
development and educational correlates. Psychology in the Schools, 30 (January), 79-90.
Hagarty, B.M.K., Sauer-Lynch, J., Patusky, K.L., Bouwsema, M., & Collier,P. (1992) Sense of
belonging: A vital mental health concept. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 6 (3), 172-177.
Maslow, A. (1962). Toward a psychology of being. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand .
Smith, J.A. (1995) Semi structured interviewing & qualitative analysis. In: Smith, J.A., Harre, R. &
Van Langenhove, L. (Eds.) Rethinking Methods in Psychology (pp.9-26). London: Sage.
Dr Michelle Sancho
DECP Conference 2010