Girls’ and Boys’ Perceptions of the Transition from Primary to Secondary School

Abstract

This study explores the expectations and experiences of the transition from primary to secondary school, using data from 98 Dutch primary education children. We focus on gender differences in the child’s point of view on the ease of transition. The results show that, before the transition, children are mostly worried about the continuity of relationships. Boys mostly think it is important to know someone at secondary school, while girls are particularly interested in the social environment. After the transition most children realise that they have underestimated the social emotional aspect. Many felt unprepared to handle the new social environment independently and were dependent on external support to feel at home at their new school.