Transitus
Focused preparation for the transition to secondary education


The transition from Junior to Senior School can seem an overwhelming prospect.  Transitus (Junior 7) provides a focused preparation for the move to Senior School and we work hard to ensure that it is a positive and exciting experience.  To prepare for this change, pupils are based at Senior School, in our stunning Girdwood Building. This modern and bright space allows pupils to grow and flourish, developing the skills they need to become independent learners. Pupils divide their time between a Junior School teacher (the base teacher) and specialist Senior School staff.  Classes are small enough to allow close attention to the progress of each pupil.

As Transitus is a common entry point to St Columba’s, pupils participate in an outdoor team-building day at the start of the term to help them get to know each other better, make new friends and enjoy discovering new skills. 

Ms Jan Fulton is the Head of Transitus as well as the Head of Pastoral (Guidance) at St Columba's. She will get to know every child and assist them on their Columban journey. 


Curriculum
Pupils follow a broad curriculum of thirteen subjects with a timetable which sees them move between a base teacher - responsible for the teaching of English and Arithmetic as well as Personal and Social Education - and lessons taught by a range of Senior School subject specialists (English, Maths, French, Science, Geography, History, Art, Music, Technology and Computing).

A block of work (10 weeks) with our Drama Specialist explores many PSE topics, including making sensible choices regarding peer pressure and the benefits of choosing a healthy lifestyle.


Pastoral Care
At St Columba’s we place great emphasis on the care and wellbeing of all pupils. They are each known as an individual; their personal qualities are appreciated, their individual needs are recognised and their progress and attainment monitored throughout their years at School. The class teacher is responsible for providing Transitus pupils with pastoral care.

Every child will be allocated to one of our four Houses - Craigmarloch, Duchal, Kilallan and Strathgryffe - and remain in that House for the duration of their time at St Columba’s. Members of the same family will normally belong to the same House. The House system really comes to the fore at this level and pupils will begin to feel a sense of belonging and duty which becomes increasingly rewarding as they progress up the School.

The House system promotes team-spirit and a friendly, competitive environment. Various activities are arranged throughout the year for which House points are awarded as well as for general behaviour.


Learning Support
Class Teachers work closely with the Senior School Learning Support staff to ensure pupils experiencing specific difficulties are well-supported.

The support offered is tailored to address individual needs, this may take place within the classroom setting where teaching staff collaborate with Class Teachers to allow pupils access to the curriculum at his/her own pace and level of ability. Where more specific programmes of intervention are being implemented children may come to the Support for Learning base. Here we have a range of supplementary resources which encourage learners to develop skills through a variety of learning styles.

We have adopted a whole-school approach to teaching study and revision skills and these can be reinforced, together with individualised support strategies, at lunchtime or after-school sessions to meet particular needs as they arise.

View our Support for Learning information booklet here.