Screen stories to support school transitions

With the end of the school year fast approaching, many teachers are seeking resources that help students process the transition to a new year level or school. These ACTF-supported titles will help students learn about the new environments, relationships, routines and expectations of their next step in schooling. 

Early Childhood to Foundation

Little J and Big Cuz

This unique animated series was created by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to support the transition to school for First Nations children and their families. Helping kindergarten / pre-primary students to learn about the routines and expectations at primary school, the series is told primarily from the perspective of five-year old Little J, who has just started his first year of school. In each episode, Little J and his cousin find out more about their world and themselves – in the backyard, the classroom, or on Country.

Stream Series 1 and 2 on SBS On Demand and find free K-2 teaching resources online.

First Day (1995)

Currently being used by many Australian universities in their pre-service teacher training, this classic ACTF documentary is an invaluable transition resource for early years teachers. The film follows 11 young Australians and their families as they prepare for and experience their first day of primary school. This film encourages teachers to reflect on the ways in which different family contexts prepare children for their schooling.

First Day (1995) is available to purchase through the ACTF Shop, and can also be streamed through Kanopy.

Year 6 to Year 7

Hardball Series 2

In the second series of Hardball, Mikey and Tiffany have become an awesome doubles team and are training hard with Prisha and Salwa – but things get complicated with the arrival of new classmates. Together, the kids from Block Street face twin villains: the end of primary school that is fast approaching, and a scholarship opportunity for Mikey that could split up the gang for good. With lots of heart and humour, Mikey and Team Mahaki realise that change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and that no matter where they are or what they’re doing, they’ll be friends forever. Find the complete series in the ACTF Shop and on ABC iview.

Little Lunch: The Nightmare Before Graduation

The countdown to Christmas and summer holidays is exciting every year but no more so than now, when Mrs. Gonsha’s class is graduating from Grade 6. This 20-minute special explores the missed feelings students face when their primary schooling draws to a close.

Stream now on ABC iview or download to own for $4 from the ACTF Shop.

A Field Guide to Being a 12-Year Old Girl

An innovative blend of theatre and documentary, this short film focuses on identity. Twelve 12-year old girls are given the task of investigating their own ‘species’, covering topics such as appearance, interests, and what makes them happy or sad.

This film is available in the ACTF Shop. Our teaching toolkit for this film is aimed at Year 6 and 7 students, with tasks related to identity and text analysis.   

Secondary School transitions

First Day Series 2

In her second year at Hillview, Hannah’s run for Class Captain exposes an underlying level of transphobia among her classmates. Demonstrating student voice and agency, she starts a group for LGBTQIA+ students, but risks alienating her closest friends in the process.

First Day is available to purchase through the ACTF Shop, and the series is currently streaming on ABC iview.

Good luck to all teachers and students who are involved in school transitions this year!