Kimberley O’Brien

Perth and Melbourne

Perth – Friday workshop

Melbourne – Main stage presentation

BIO

 

Kimberley O’Brien is an Educational and Developmental psychologistwho has 15 years experience working around Australia and internationally.  Kimberley is currently Principal Psychologist at the Quirky Kid Clinic (Sydney). She also enjoys an active role in the Australian media, contributing on a regular basis to various print, radio and national television programs.  Kimberley is also an author and illustrator. Her tools for parents, teachers and mental health professional include:’Just Like When’, ‘Tell Me A Story’, ‘The Likes of You(th)’ and ‘Face It’.  Kimberley is a member of the APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists (CEDP) and the Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD).

The Transition from Primary to Secondary School – The Social and Emotional Implications for Early Adolescents.

Perth workshop

This workshop provides practical strategies and resources for teachers, parents and mental health professionals to enhance self esteem and a sense of belonging throughout the transition to secondary school.  The workshop is based on a study that examined the social relationships and self-esteem of 231 Year  6 students in 8 NSW Independent schools throughout the transition to Year 7.  The study  used surveys and individual interviews to understand the experiences of male and female students aged 11-13 years.  Data  was collected on two occasions from students with a survey containing the

Friendship Quality Questionnaire (FQQ), Asher's Loneliness Scale and additional questions relating to self-esteem, belonging and best friendships. Individual interviews were also conducted to better understand the transition experiences of students towards the end of Year 7. Peer affiliations were also considered important in terms of the new social relationships evolving in Year 7. The workshop will include a presentation of the results of this research with a particular focus on the role of schools to ensure students develop a sense of ‘belonging’ and maintain a healthy self esteem during this transition. 

Melbourne talk

This presentation outlines the results of research addressing social relationships, self-esteem and belonging among 231 Year 6 students in 8 NSW Independent schools throughout the transition to Year 7. The research used surveys and individual interviews to understand the experiences of male and female students aged 11-13 years.  Data was collected on two (2) occasions from students with a survey containing the Friendship Quality Questionnaire (FQQ), Asher's Loneliness Scale and additional questions relating to self-esteem, belonging and best friendships. Individual interviews were also conducted to better understand the transition experiences of students towards the end of Year 7. The presentation will outline the results of this research with a particular focus on the role of schools to ensure students develop a sense of ‘belonging’ and maintain a healthy self esteem during this transition.  Peer affiliations were also considered important in terms of the new social relationships evolving in Year 7. Kimberley will also compare current transition programs to best support early adolescents entering secondary school.