Recent literature on motivation has documented that perceptions of self-competence and motivational orientations for learning are interrelated. This study focuses specifically on childrens perceptions of their scholastic abilities, how these perceptions develop and how they relate to intrinsic motivation for learning. The rationale for this study is that such an exploration will deepen understandings of the nature and mechanisms underpinning this relationship. The research design of this study consists of both quantitative and qualitative dimensions. First, questionnaires were used to gather data about the Year 6 participants self-perceptions of academic competence, intrinsic motivation, and affect for learning. Participants were then targeted for follow-up interviews according to a matrix of low and high competence perceptions and intrinsic motivation. Three students from each of the six focal groups identified were then selected to take part in the interviews. Following categorisation of interview responses according to emergent themes, narrative inquiry was the means of data analysis. Six narratives describe how the constructs under consideration relate to one another and highlight implications these relationships have for educational practice. Contains 38 references, 4 notes, and 5 figures and 3 tables of data. (Author/RS)