Congratulations to Greasby Junior School for making the transition to secondary school a lot less stressful for its Year 6 pupils.

Starting 'big school' is scary enough without worrying about what the older pupils might do to you. In my day we were warned about being pushed head first down the toilet - at least that's what we were told to expect by gleeful older siblings and their friends. It never happened, of course, but the fear was constant throughout that memorable first day and you certainly didn't hang around the girls/boys' toilets to test the theory.

At Greasby Junior School, Year 6 pupils and several Year 7 students from a number of secondary schools get together to address some of the younger children's concerns before the new term begins in September. The older children were themselves pupils at Greasby until a year ago so they know exactly what the Year 6 pupils are going through.

The event is arranged the day before the Year 6 pupils head off to their prospective high schools for a visit, so it's an opportunity to dispel some of the age old myths and promote the positives about their new school,

When asked in a questionnaire what concerns they had about their new school before the event, one Year 6 pupil responded: "I'd heard that the sixth formers push you about and put you in the bins. The Year 7's said this is not true."

Another pupil, worried that teachers might be unapproachable, was also reassured. "The Year 7's told me that all the staff are really nice and that they listen to you if you are worried about stuff." Some things have changed for the better then...

Can you recall what you dreaded most about starting big school? No prizes for the best, but it would be good to compare notes.

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