About the programme
A supported step
into secondary school.
Taking the Next Step was a cross-community transition programme for rural young people in their final year of primary school.
Led by RAPID in collaboration with Verbal and Children in Crossfire, it addressed the particular changes rural pupils can experience as they move into secondary education.
The programme focused on confidence, awareness and practical life skills, helping pupils understand change and develop tools they could use during the transition.
Programme themes
Skills for change,
connection and growth.
The complete programme brought together emotional, social and practical themes relevant to the move from primary to secondary education.
01
Change & transition
Building confidence and awareness around the move to secondary school.
02
Resilience & self-regulation
Understanding responses to challenge and developing ways to manage them.
03
Emotional intelligence
Recognising emotions and exploring healthy emotional regulation.
04
Friendships & communication
Strengthening communication skills and navigating changing relationships.
05
Health & decision-making
Exploring health management, risk-taking behaviours and informed choices.
06
Identity, peace & reconciliation
Considering identity and the principles of peaceful, respectful communities.
Verbal’s contribution
A story, a toolkit
and shared reflection.
Within the wider seven-week programme, Verbal delivered a one-hour session for each school group. A story and supporting toolkit provided the basis for guided discussion and practical learning.
Session length
One hour
Group size
25–30 young people
Location
Verbal
Digital support
Verbal Wellbeing Platform
04 — Delivery and reach
Two academic years.
One shared focus.
The project was designed to reach more than 200 rural pupils during their final year of primary school.
Year one
March–May 2025
14 rural primary schools
Year two
March–May 2026
14 rural primary schools
Partners and funding
Delivered through
partnership.
The programme was led by RAPID, with Verbal and Children in Crossfire as delivery partners.
It was funded through a Derry City and Strabane District Council PEACEPLUS tender.
RAPID — Lead partner Verbal — Partner Children in Crossfire — Partner
Programme information
Find out more
about Verbals work.
For information about Verbal’s work, contact our friendly team.
