Approximately 200 young people in Torfaen are gaining early experience of secondary education through special transition camps running this summer.

The seasonal initiative takes place across three secondary schools in the area: Abersychan School, West Monmouth School, and Cwmbran High School. Its purpose is to ease pupils into Year 7 when the new academic year begins in September.

Torfaen Council’s Play Service manages these camps, which focus on building self-assurance, developing peer connections, and ensuring students feel prepared for their upcoming educational step.

Councillor Richard Clark, the executive member responsible for children, families and communities, explained that transferring to secondary education represents a significant life event for young people, presenting both opportunities and challenges. He noted that the camps enable children to become acquainted with unfamiliar settings, establish new friendships, and develop assurance prior to the start of the autumn term. He added that the programme is assisting both young people and their parents in feeling knowledgeable, supported, and equipped for this next phase of schooling.

Participants have spent the summer becoming familiar with their future campuses, interacting with teachers, and engaging in collaborative games including circus activities and large-scale board games.

Additional workshops have covered pedestrian safety, artistic pursuits, music production, and understanding hearing impairment, alongside sessions featuring animals.

Torfaen Youth Service has also contributed, offering sessions in constructing racing carts, spray paint artwork, and climbing structures.

Eleven-year-old Frankie, who attends Griffithstown Primary School, expressed that the experience has reduced her anxiety about beginning Year 7 and allowed her to connect with classmates who will share her form group.

Eleven-year-old Isla, a pupil at New Inn Primary School, mentioned she has become comfortable with the premises, forged new friendships, encountered the catering staff, and sampled the meals.

The camps form part of Torfaen’s broader Food and Fun scheme, which has involved more than 3,000 young people since the end of July.

The authority has furthermore introduced a ‘Get Ready for School’ drive to help households manage important educational transitions.