Our School
transitus
WHAT IS TRANSITUS?
Our Transitus year (Junior 7) is a pivotal stage in a pupil’s journey, designed to prepare them confidently for the next step into secondary school. During this important year, pupils grow in confidence and independence, take greater ownership of their learning, and develop the key skills needed to thrive in a secondary environment.
To prepare for this change, pupils are based at Junior School, in our stunning Girdwood Building. They continue to benefit from the guidance of a dedicated Junior class teacher for core subjects such as literacy, numeracy and health & wellbeing, while also experiencing the excitement of Senior School learning. They are introduced to specialist teaching in subjects such as Science, Music, Languages, History and Modern Studies, giving them a taste of the wider curriculum and helping them grow in confidence before taking the next step.
BENEFITS OF TRANSITUS
- Dedicated class teacher – Pupils spend a lot of time with their class teacher, who guides and supports them throughout their time in Transitus.
- Specialist subjects – Introduction to specialist Senior School specialist subjects.
- Choice of 50+ Clubs & Activities – Opportunity to join Senior School clubs, including Space Club, Debating, Orchestra, Drama and a wide variety of sports clubs.
- Support from Senior pupils – The Senior School pupils are there to look out for our Transitus pupils, give advice and make sure they feel welcome.
- Smooth transition to Senior School – Transitus pupils meet new friends and teachers early, so moving to the next stage of school feels exciting instead of daunting.
“We’ve been so delighted with our daughter’s experience since joining St Columba’s for Transitus. She quickly made great friends and was made to feel really welcome. Having a base teacher to nurture alongside the freedom to experience so much of senior school promotes confidence and independence. As a result, moving to Senior I feels seamless and exciting. Academically, she couldn’t be more prepared but most importantly, she’s happy.”
Transitus Parent, June 2025
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.
WHY TRANSITUS?
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.