EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION FROM GCSE TO SIXTH FORM YEARS
BY MANDY MURPHY , TRANSITION AND CAREER COACH
MOVING ON FROM GCSE YEAR TO SIXTH FORM CAN BE ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING TIMES OF CHANGE WE GO THROUGH IN OUR LIVES . NOT ONLY IS IT A NEW CHAPTER IN SCHOOL YEARS , THERE ’ S A NEW TONE WITH A WEIGHTED FOCUS ON SUCCEEDING IN EXAMS . THEN THERE ’ S COPING WITH THE WORKLOAD , INDEPENDENT STUDY , MAKING ( OR NOT MAKING ) NEW FRIENDS AND FINDING ‘ YOUR CROWD ’.
Why is this transition complex ?
There are significant changes in the adolescent brain as it prepares for adulthood . It is a developmental milestone for how we think , feel and interact with each other . It ’ s a time when what others believe about us starts to shape how we view ourselves and behave .
Emotions feel intense and unfamiliar . There is often a tug of war in our wants and needs . We want to exert our independence , express ourselves and try new things . But at the same time we crave security and stability . The search for the middle ground ( interdependence ) gets confusing for everyone .
Here are my top tips for coping with the transition to sixth form :
For young adults :
• Be you . Work on knowing and understanding who you are , what your values are , what motivates you and what drives you crazy too . Knowing and holding onto your identity will help you make the right decisions no matter how much the environment around you changes .
• Set a goal for yourself beyond sixth form , whether it be about onward study or work options . This becomes something you can work towards and A levels or your vocational qualification can help you get there .
• Make time for active rest . Something that is intentional , outside of study and you can be 100 % present with it . This could be interest or a hobby , like cooking , art , music , sport , reading etc .
• Have a support network . When we have feelings we don ’ t recognise and everything feels different , it can feel lonely . Identifying people in your support network can be helpful to reach out to when you need to solve a problem , seek advice or just have someone to listen to you when you need the space to think out loud .
Top tips for parents / carers :
• Take a deep breath and let go . Times are changing for everyone , you included . Learn to adjust and evolve your own space and time .
• Work together and help them with problem solving , celebrate the little wins and listen to them when they feel overwhelmed ( non-judgmentally ).
• Maintain routines and family activities , these are an anchor when things are changing for your teen .
• Healthy diet and sleep are very important during the developmental stage . Trust that you know your teen and what they need to cope in difficult times .
ABOUT MANDY ’ S TRANSITION COACHING :
I provide coaching programmes for career transitions , working with individuals from as young as 16 years old right through the career spectrum . Transition coaching supports people to confidently move through phases of change , from choosing a study / career path , a new job / business , being promoted or returning to work after a long absence . It ’ s a safe space to think out loud and explore making important decisions , career planning , enhancing your leadership skills , building confidence and selfesteem , using your strengths , and creating the action plan to move forwards .
Get in touch to find out more .
mandy @ coachmandy . co . uk www . coachmandy . co . uk
thekentish _ coach
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