By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie
Going to secondary school is a big step after primary education and not many pupils are prepared for it.
However, Bridge Academy, a network of nursery and primary schools in underserved communities in Lagos and Osun State, made it part of graduation rituals this year to prepare its Primary Six pupils who would be resuming JSS1 Class in various secondary schools by September.
During an Orientation event tagged: “Leaving for Secondary School: Developing Self Responsibility, Character and Excellence”, the pupils were enlightened about what to expect in secondary school.
The session exposed them to the changes that would occur – like change in the teaching methodology and learning environment, physical development, social, peer and culture pressure, social vices and misdemeanour, meeting people from diverse backgrounds and making new friends.
A facilitator at the event held for Bridge pupils in Ikorodu, Mrs. Amina Lawal, said the pupils needed to learn to adapt and be independent, especially those going to the boarding facilities of Federal Government Colleges or private secondary schools.
Mrs. Lawal also said the pupils needed to learn to be self-reliant and take responsibility for self as monitoring by parents, teachers and other adults would reduce.
She said having these qualities, in addition to learning teamwork, would give them an edge over others less prepared.
“As much as self-responsibility is required, a needed characteristic for success is interdependence: being able to work with others to achieve a set goal without being exposed to wrong influences.” she noted.
The overall best pupil for the 2019/2020 academic session, Shiji Sowemimo, was a special guest at the event. Now in JSS1 (going to JSS2), Sowemimo shared how his experiences at Bridge helped him to excel in his secondary school.
He urged all Bridge pupils to continue to be worthy ambassadors of the school, be resourceful, plan to succeed and never get tired of making a difference.
“I am privileged to stand before you to share my experiences and successes with you. This is only possible because of the support I have received from my mother, teachers and level of hard work and dedication I have put into my studies,” he said.
