This PowerPoint Presentation is a guide for pupils transiting from primary to high school. Students have their expectations as they transit from one school to the next, in particular one level of basic education to another of higher education. The experience and environment is albeit different right from the school size, the number of teachers and the range of new subjects. The move from primary to secondary school also involves a transition between two radically different cultures of schooling, the more child friendly at a younger age to the peer pressurized stage as the adolescent seeks self-discovery and enters the wider world. Therefore, important information should be provided to the students to enable them find their way in the new environment. Additionally, there are the transition challenges and these should be presented early enough to avoid unnecessary confusion for the student.

1. Dr. Geoffrey Wango
Senior Lecturer
Counselling Psychology
University of Nairobi
Adolescence Growth, Career Progression
and Personality Development

2. 6/6/2017
Congratulations for good
Performance and Joining High
School
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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3. Secondary School Life
 Welcome to a new way of life in
Secondary School.
 Secondary School life is slightly
different from Primary School.
 New life in School will depend on:
(1) Yourself
(2) Your new School
(3) Where you are coming from
(4) Where you are going6/6/2017
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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4. Secondary School Life
 There are those moving from Day to
Boarding, Boarding to Boarding, or
Boarding to Day.
 You will notice a change in the pattern of
the following:
(1) Waking up
(2) Washing
(3) Classes and Teaching
(4) Eating
(5) Going to Sleep
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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5. Secondary School Life prepares
you for a future life in a Global
World
You will be meeting many more
Students from other communities and
cultures, regions, people speaking
different languages and others with
different religions.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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6. On Reporting to School ….
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During the orientation day, do the following:
- Tour the school
- Meet the teachers
- Find out your Dormitory / Hostel and the
Washrooms
- Find out about the School: Your Class,
Dinning Hall, Library, Play Grounds
- Listen and understand the School Rules
and Regulations
- Adopt the dress code
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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7. Academics: Subjects and Teachers in
Secondary School
The reason why you are in school is to study, grow
and develop. You will also attend class and will be
expected to perform well in your academics.
The first thing you will notice is a change of
subjects in Secondary School.
There will also be several teachers taking up
various subjects.
This change is not as big as many people will tell
you. In fact, the subjects are the same as in
Primary school only that you study individual
subjects more deeply.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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8. Academics: Subjects and Teachers in
Secondary School
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Language (English, Kiswahili)
- History
- Geography
- Religious Education (CRE, IRE)
- Agriculture / Computer Studies /
Business Education
(Accounting, Commerce)
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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9. Study Habits
You must adopt the right study habits right
from the moment you enter Secondary
School.
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This is by paying careful
attention to the Teacher.
Attention will enable you
understand various
topics and subjects right
from the start.
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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10. Study Habits
You must be careful with everything as follows:
 Your classes and subjects: Change of class is
important. This includes the Science subjects and
Laboratory work (Physics, Chemistry and
Biology).
 Your books: This includes books on different
Subjects. Do not mix your notes. Instead, place
notes in respective subjects. This allows you to be
organised in class and in your studies.
 Your friends: Seek persons with whom you share
in class as well as interest in hobbies, academics
and responsible discussions on life issues.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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11. Study Habits
You must be careful with everything as
follows:
Pay attention to teachers
Attend all classes
Be on time for class
Listen carefully to the teachers
Sit properly in class
Avoid indiscipline cases
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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12. Study Habits
Pay careful attention
to terms (definitions,
concepts, formulas,
maps, diagrams,
experiments) in
various subjects.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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13. Study Habits
Pay careful attention to terms (definitions, concepts,
formulas, maps, diagrams, experiments) as well as
instructions in sciences and other subjects.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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14. Relationships: Friends, Family and
Peer Pressure
 You will have new schoolmates and you
will make friends with them.
 As you grow older in secondary school,
you will have many friends at home and
at school.
 Be careful with friends and friendship.
 Friendship is good, but can be bad if the
person tells you the wrong things and
does not guide you well.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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15. 6/6/2017
Teenage and Adolescence
Be careful on some of the
things a friend can tell you
to do that are:
(a) Not part of your studies
(b) A bad influence
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Be a person
of good
conduct in
all ways.

16. Sexuality Issues
Sex is different from sexuality. In Secondary
School, you will learn Biology (Biological
Studies) and you will learn about the
Human Reproductive System. The Human
Reproductive System is much more
complex and it is not just about having sex.
Understand the Human Reproductive
System that is about managing our human
sexuality in an appropriate way, as a boy
and as a girl.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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17. Sexuality Issues
 Sexuality includes our body organs, as males and
as females. It also includes good hygiene such as
cleaning our sex organs appropriately.
 We must also learn that our sexual organs are
private parts, hence they should not be touched
by anyone without permission, except a medical
doctor during medical examination.
 Premarital sex is very dangerous as it is
uncontrolled and uninformed. Sex in early ages
can lead to several dangers. These includes HIV
and AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections,
teenage pregnancy and school drop out.6/6/2017
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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18. I must strongly urge you to stay clear from
sex until you are over eighteen years.
Then, you will be an adult, have completed
school, responsible and clearly well
informed about sex and other life issues.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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19. Teachers and establishing good working
Relationship with teachers
 A good student will know the teachers. This is to
enable you to seek help when you need it.
 You should know the following:
Principal
Deputy Principal / Senior Teacher
Class Teacher
House Master or House mistress
All teachers per subject
Guidance and Counselling Teacher
School Nurse
Dean of Students / Career’s Teacher
 This creates interest in school and also starts to
improve your memory.6/6/2017
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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20. Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs
 Among the worst dangers facing young
people particularly in secondary school is
smoking of cigarettes, drinking of alcohol
and taking drugs.
 Cigarette Smoking, Drinking of Alcohol
and abuse of Drugs are dangerous for
your good health. This is because
cigarettes, alcohol and drugs affect your
body and your mind. They also put your
life in great danger.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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21. I must strongly urge you to stay
clear and away from Cigarette
Smoking, Drinking of Alcohol and
Drugs.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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22. Money: Managing your finances
 As you join Secondary School, I guess you
have been given some pocket money.
 Money is good, very good indeed.
 But ....
You must use your money well
You must keep your money safely
You must buy appropriate items
You can even learn to save small amounts
In future as an adult, you will be responsible to
yourself and others about money.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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23. Taking Good Care of Yourself
 The most important person
in your life is yourself.
 This is why our Parents,
Guardian, Government,
School, Teachers and
everyone are greatly
concerned about you..
This is because you are
someone special.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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24. School Activities ….
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A student should take part in
school activities that include
academics as well as extra-
curricular activities such as
games and sports, clubs and
societies. Select Clubs and
Societies as well as games and
sports depending on your interest
and talents. Taking part in such
activities boosts your physical
fitness, health and builds your
confidence. You also get to mix
with other students and learn
many things including careers.
Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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25. School Activities ….
6/6/2017
Taking part in extracurricular
activities such as games and
sports, clubs and societies is a
useful way for learning additional
things as well as making friends
with people who have similar
interests. You also acquire human
values and improve your relations
with others including turn taking
and healthy competition.
However, make sure that adding
an extra activity doesn't impact
negatively on your character and
your school work.Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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Good Study habits = Good grades

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Effective Learning: School and
Classroom activities
Attending class, listening and taking notes and
revision are important steps in your learning:
(1) Class attendance. Attending
lessons is an important step in
learning. The teacher will introduce
and explain new terms and
concepts.
(2) Note taking. Clear understanding
comes from listening to the teacher
and taking good notes.
(3) Revision. Take time to revise your
notes to enhance your memory.
Study in private and in groups.

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- You will learn more in Secondary school than
you did in Primary school.
- In class, your teachers instructs you in various
subjects. All these subjects are important.
- Learning is a three-stage process in which
there are certain things you should do:
Before class;
During class; and,
After class.
Learning in School and in Class

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Before Class: Get Ready for Class
Review your notes from the previous lesson.
This helps you remember what you learnt and gets
you ready for the next lesson.
Complete all homework, assignments and readings
before you come to class. Your teacher will expect
you to have done this. This is important because
you will use and build upon this information.
Bring your note-taking materials with you to class.
This includes the correct note book, pen, pencil,
and other materials for the subject.
Carry an extra pen and pencil.

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During Class: Attention in Class
Keep your attention focused on what the teacher
is saying. Listen for statements and signs that tell
you that what your teacher is about to say, or says
is important or significant. For example,
 ‘The most important point…’
 ‘Remember that . .’
 ‘Note this part of …’
 ‘Note the following …’
Concentrate on what the teacher is saying,
drawing, pointing, writing and the examples.

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During Class: Note Taking in Class
Write down important points in your notes.
Your notes should include information that your
teacher repeats or writes on the board, or presents
in a diagram or chart.
Write quickly so that you can include all the
important information in your notes.
Concentrate in class and write short sentences.
Underline in your notes words or statements that
you are not sure of, or whose meaning is not clear
to you. This includes questions you may want to
ask a friend or teacher.

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Class Attendance and Attention
Pay attention to what the teacher is saying and
find out which points are connected.

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Pay careful attention to terms and concepts as well
as specific items such as definitions, formulas, maps,
diagrams and experiments (chemicals, instructions,
observations made and recording the results).

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After Class: Assignment and Revision
 Revise and rewrite your notes within 72 hours. This
is because the mind remembers in detail most of the
information. This also makes you complete your
notes by reading through them and changing any
words, adding information and checking the
symbols, diagrams, maps, formulas and terms.
 The shortened sentences can be turned into longer
and more meaning sentences.
 During revision, you also try to answer various
questions you had when writing your notes in class.
 This is also the time to make use of your textbook to
obtain more information and do your assignments.

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Concentrating on your Studies:
Sitting Position and Posture
- Sit comfortably and lean forward,
with your arms on the desk.
- Do not bend your back too much
as this becomes strenuous and
tends to make you get tired.
- Sit near the table or desk so that
you do not have to stretch your
hands or strain your eyes to see
what you are writing.
- Let your feet rest firmly on the
ground. This gives you additional
support and helps avoid a fall.

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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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Concentrating on your Studies:
Sitting Position and Posture
- Use one hand to hold the writing tool
(pen, pencil or drawing pen), while the
other hand holds the book, test or
examination paper.
- Focus your eyes on the activity. In class,
eyes should move between what you are
actually writing and the teacher. In a study
group, focus on student presenting, your
notes and writing important points. In
private study, focus on the notes you are
reading and writing down important
points. In a test or examination, your eyes
move between the question paper and
where you are writing.

37. Seeking Help when in Need ….
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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Pay careful attention and ask questions in class.

38. What to do ….
 Be organised. Plan your work and your
day in class and out of class, in school
and out of school.
 Take care of yourself and personal
property.
 Ensure you have good responsible
friends.
 Be careful with the independence.
 Character and discipline are important.
 Work hard and smart in your studies.
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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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What to do ….
Students who obtain a lot of help from family,
teachers, support staff, friends and others tend to
settle more quickly in secondary school. They also
have a successful transition from Primary to
Secondary and in later life. Students who seek
assistance also attain greater success in their tests
and examinations. This includes getting to know
their way around the school, following the school
rules and regulations, and concentrating on their
studies. Settle in the first year. Ensure proper
conduct in discipline especially in the second and
third years of study.

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Dr Geoffrey Wango, Psychology Department, University of Nairobi
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Seeking Help when in Need ….
 General health
 Home sickness
 Finances, Money
 Religion (Faith, Spiritualism)
 When you are not performing well
 When assaulted by a anyone (Be careful
about abuse [physical, verbal or
psychological]. No one should hurt you
in any way and for any reason/s)

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Seeking Help when in Need ….
In addition, seek assistance on additional
information that you consider significance and that
will assist you in school and in future. This
includes the following:
 Good study habits and academic skills
 Friendship and relationship
 Career and Career Development
 Spiritual growth and nourishment
 Health and Nutrition. This includes other
aspects such as rites of passage
 Personal safety and security
 Tests and Examinations

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What to do ….
You are at school to grow and
develop. Part of this is academic
study. Most students forget the task
too soon as they get along with
friends at home and in school.
You must adopt the right study
habits right from the moment you
enter school. After secondary
school is Higher Education and at
the end of your studies is your
graduation, career and life.

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What to do: Talk to your Parent and
teachers as advice is very important
- At Primary school, most instructions were given by a
teacher or parent. At Secondary school, schedules vary
from day-to-day, hence though the teachers provide a
general schedule, you will make various decisions,
including having a personal time table. You also conduct
personal study. You have to do your own reading,
washing and other activities.
- Talk and consult with your parent, teachers and others
so that they can assist you in various ways. Many young
people get lost in secondary school because they listen
only to their friends and ignore the parents and teachers.
- Seek to adhere to procedures, rules and regulations.

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Wishing you a bright
future ahead….