Moving On, Moving Up wellbeing lesson plan
A primary wellbeing lesson for Year 6 that helps Australian teachers introduce the transition to secondary school through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students explore what changes ahead, including new routines, subjects and friendship groups, and think through how to approach these changes in a practical way. Students learn to reflect on their own strengths, set a personal goal for the move and consider how to treat others with respect as friendship groups shift and change.
Goal Setting, Mindset & Self-Worth
Snapshot
Moving On, Moving Up
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to help Year 6 students prepare for secondary school, with a focus on friendships and shared respect. Feedback: 4.3/5 from 68 student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Building confidence and practical strategies for the transition to secondary school
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise the common changes that come with moving to secondary school, such as new routines, subjects and social groups
recognise that friendships can change during a transition and that this is a normal part of moving schools
recognise personal strengths and areas they want to develop before starting secondary school
Understand
understand why treating others with respect matters when meeting new people or joining new friendship groups
understand that setting a personal goal can make a big change feel more manageable
Practise
practise identifying a realistic goal for the transition to secondary school
practise language for introducing themselves or approaching new social situations
practise reflecting on their own strengths and how these can support them through change
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Year 6 students who are preparing for the move to secondary school and are beginning to think about new routines, friendships and expectations.
It is suitable for:
primary wellbeing lessons in the lead up to secondary school
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care, circle time or advisory sessions
transition and orientation programs
goal setting or personal development units
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing the topic of transition Use when students are starting to think about secondary school and need a structured way to talk about what is ahead.
Building classroom culture around respect Use when reinforcing respectful behaviour as students meet new people and form new friendship groups.
Supporting goal setting Use when students are working on personal goals and want to apply this to the move to secondary school.
Preparing for transition Use in the lead up to secondary school, when students need practical strategies for change.
Reinforcing respectful communication Use when discussing how to treat others fairly in new social situations.
Practising confident choices Use when students are learning how to approach unfamiliar situations, such as new friendship groups or routines.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Moving to secondary school brings a lot of change at once, including new routines, subjects, teachers and friendship groups. Year 6 students benefit from structured opportunities to think through these changes before they happen, rather than working it out on their own once school starts. The lesson supports students to approach the transition with practical strategies rather than uncertainty. By reflecting on their own strengths, setting a personal goal and thinking about how to treat others with respect in new situations, students build a clearer sense of what they can do to manage the change. Preparing students in this way can support a steadier start to secondary school, both socially and personally.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Self-awareness Students reflect on their own strengths and areas they want to develop.
Goal setting Students identify a realistic personal goal for the transition.
Social confidence Students consider language and strategies for meeting new people.
Respect for others Students think about how to treat new people fairly in unfamiliar social settings.
Adaptability Students consider practical ways to approach changes in routines and friendships.
Help-seeking Students recognise who they can talk to if the transition feels difficult.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind students not to share personal stories about specific classmates or friendship groups
Frame discussion around general examples of transition, not individual situations
Have a sense of your school's transition or orientation timeline so the lesson connects to real next steps
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
During delivery
Use everyday examples of transition, such as new subjects, new teachers or meeting new people
Give students time to think individually before sharing goals or reflections
Encourage students to focus on their own goals rather than comparing themselves to classmates
Allow students to respond through discussion, writing or drawing depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep the focus on respectful treatment of others rather than naming specific peers
Remind students that friendship changes during transition are common and manageable
Encourage students to identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they feel worried about the move
Adaptation options
Spend more time on goal setting for students who want a clearer plan
Use partner or small group discussion for students who find whole class sharing difficult
Extend the reflection activity for students who are further along in thinking about secondary school
