The Process of Transfer from Primary to Secondary in a Bilingual Schooling Context

Abstract

The experience of transfer from primary to secondary school can be problematic. This article contrasts and compares experience in mainstream schools and in bilingual initiatives, in particular the Vienna Bilingual Schooling Middle School. Perspectives are also broadened to include viewing primary and secondary schools as two different cultures, with appropriate insights from cultural awareness research. Bilingual schooling is seen as potentially offering a more supportive environment although local contexts may create problems of implementation and integration.