Meet pupils where they are when they arrive in KS3
KS2 to KS3 transition tool
‘Go Forwards’ helps secondary teachers recognise and build on pupils' prior language learning: so Year 7 is a springboard, not a repeat.
“Great resource to gather initial information about prior learning at the beginning of Y7”
“I liked the motivational aspect: students enjoyed it and said ‘Can we do another one?”
What is Go Forwards?
Go Forwards is a practical, inclusive transition tool designed to support a smooth handover from KS2 to KS3 languages.
Rather than assuming pupils know nothing — or repeating content they've already covered — it helps Year 7 teachers quickly understand what their new classes actually bring to the room.
The result: faster progress, stronger motivation, and a Year 7 experience that feels like a continuation, not a reset.
✓ Bridges the KS2 to KS3 transition gap
✓ Supports an onwards-learning curriculum
✓ Straightforward and practical to use
✓ Inclusive of all primary experiences and language backgrounds
✓ Informs starting points, seating plans, and groupings from day one
How it works?
Elicit prior learning
Open-ended, inclusive activities reveal what pupils already know from KS2 — regardless of which language they previously studied.
Identify starting points
Teachers gain insight into pupils' vocabulary, phonics awareness, grammar understanding, and transferable language-learning skills to inform planning and grouping.
Build onwards
Using a "revisit, not reteach" approach, teachers build confidently on prior learning — sustaining motivation and accelerating progress into KS3.
What the research says?
"The Review sees an opportunity for local authorities, multi-academy trusts and schools to explore a coordinated, single-language approach to support transition."Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report
"According to the 2024 Languages Trends survey, over half of primary schools reported no contact with local secondaries regarding languages provision."Languages Trends Survey 2024
"With a shared understanding of what constitutes 'substantial progress' in a language, secondary schools would be better equipped to build on students' prior learning."Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report