For most pupils, the transfer is an exciting, challenging time, which marks the start of the next phase of their education. They and their families are aware of stepping closer to external examinations and to the world of work. Success in courses at the later stages of secondary school and in external examinations is heavily dependent upon the provision of coherent courses and consistent and appropriate challenge throughout pupils' education. In addition, pupils will often have single periods for taster and other courses, particularly in S2. Pupils will also have contact with guidance staff and, in most secondary schools, with a registration teacher.
Strong arguments exist for delaying the point at which pupils begin to specialise.
It is not unusual for S1 pupils to be taught by between 13 and 16 different teachers each week. In some cases the number rises to 20 or more. Although the variety of the range of contacts can be popular with pupils, limiting the number of their teachers can make it easier for them to adapt to a new school and to learn effectively. Frequent changes of class throughout the day can lead to a loss of time when settling into a lesson or preparing to move on to the next class. The necessity for tasks to be completed within a single period may not allow sufficient time for lessons which combine direct teaching with genuinely investigative or open-ended learning activities.