The transition from Junior Lyceum to a post-secondary school

Abstract

Research highlights how the transition from secondary to post-secondary school can be problematic to adolescents. This study seeks to gain insight into how Junior Lyceum secondary schools prepare students for the transition to a post-secondary school. This is a case study of one particular general education post-secondary school leading to tertiary education which will be referred to as Sunflower College. The study probes what kind of support is provided by Sunflower College to help youths adjust to the new system; how they experience the transition process; as well as put forward recommendations on how to support students to cope better with the transition to this post-secondary school. Two questionnaires - one for fifth formers and one for first year post-secondary school students were used. Interviews were also carried out with the Sunflower College first year students and counsellor, and with the Junior Lyceum guidance teachers. Results showed that transition programmes lack activities; consequently students are not being adequately prepared for the transition mainly with regards to the new system and environment; the Junior Lyceum guidance teachers are not finding enough collaboration from the post-secondary counselling services, particularly from Sunflower College which is not offering enough help in the transition programmes.