Transition into High School

Working alongside the Denbighshire Youth Service and local primary schools, we identified students who were feeling particularly anxious, nervous, and worried about making new friends or encountering bullying in secondary school. To address these concerns, parents received letters introducing a free Year 7 after-school club held in local youth centres. To ensure accessibility and build trust, the Denbighshire Youth Service provided transportation alongside two youth workers who drove the pupils, helping them feel comfortable and encouraging future participation in open-access youth club provision.

Our sessions offered a blend of dynamic, structured activities and informal social spaces. To help the young people break the ice, mingle, and collaborate, we introduced a diverse range of interactive tasks, including teamwork games and quizzes, sports sessions, and hands-on arts and crafts projects where the children were able to showcase their individual talents and skills. Complimenting the activities, we served healthy, delicious food in a communal setting, encouraging social bonding over shared meals.

When asked for group ideas, one of our young people, Olly, suggested bowling. We thought this was a faidea.

As a Christmas treat, we brought both groups together and invited parents along for a day out at Tenpin Bowling in Wrexham.

Throughout the 26 weeks, the social dynamic shifted dramatically. Pupils who initially arrived shy and reserved gradually grew into confident, sociable individuals. By connecting students from different primary schools and surrounding areas early on in high school, the project enabled them to form strong, lasting friendships within the group. This newfound social security directly translated into greater confidence when navigating wider peer groups and school life in their new secondary environments.

Case study 

Pupil A was struggling in school and had no friends. Their older sibling had experienced bullying, and they were worried that this would happen to them. Parent A was delighted that the Year 7 group had been formed. Pupil A, at first was quiet, isolated and sat on their own. They were happy to talk to staff but no other young people. When Pupil B joined, they sat near them during food time but didn’t talk to them. Pupil B was also attending on their own. The activities that brought the group together was when Pupil A and B began to talk and get to know each other. Pupil A began to be more social with the rest of the group as well. They were happier, smiled more, and contributed more. What was more evident was how they started to interact, run around, engage in being more expressive and assertive. They formed mutual trust, and friendship with Pupil B. Pupil A has had sleepovers and were able to invite others to their birthday party, which they have never had before.

Quotes from a Parent A “I don’t know what I’d have done without this group” “My child has only connected with these friends” “Even though, they are not in their lessons, form, they have made one friend over for sleepovers” “My child had friends over for their birthday, this is a first ever”