Supporting STEM Learning in the Transition to Post Primary School

The transition from primary to post-primary is a big step for children and can be an exciting and challenging time. There is a considerable amount of general advice available for parents in supporting this transition, ranging from information on the different types of post-primary level schools and factors to consider when choosing a school. For example, the NPC’s information leaflet Supporting Your Child’s Move from Primary to Post-primary School contains information, advice and considerations prior to and during the transition. However, there is less advice available for primary school teachers and principals to support this transition particularly in relation to STEM opportunities for their sixth class group. We argue, in this article, that considering and discussing STEM education is an important endeavour at this stage of education. We provide guidance on how teachers, together with parents, can support a child’s interest in and awareness of STEM education in the transition from primary to post-primary school.