Talk with your child about starting Secondary School – What do they think it will be like? What are they looking forward to doing there? Do they have any questions or worries? – talking about school in a relaxed way so that your child can start to process the move from primary to secondary – be aware that they may have heard rumours from older friends or siblings or may have seen films that depict secondary school in a concerning way.
Encourage your child to talk to older friends or siblings to help allay their fears, but also be aware that they may spread unhelpful rumours.
Practice your child’s journey to and from school during the summer holidays, this helps children to become familiar with the new route – it may be that they will be traveling more independently e.g. by bus or walking alone or with friends – Discuss what to do if the bus doesn’t arrive, they miss the bus or lose their bus pass, etc.
If eligible, make sure you apply for free school meals and/or transport (e.g. bus pass) in good time.
Help your child practice how to stay calm (this could include taking slow, deep breaths together) and make sure that they know to tell you or a member if pastoral staff at school if they are struggling with their emotions or have any other worries e.g. friendship issues, bullying etc.
Encourage your child to see mistakes as learning opportunities – offering constructive feedback can help your child discover more effective ways of learning and doing things, which in the long run, will help them achieve better results.
Explore the differences between Primary School and Secondary School:-
New uniform:–
When buying uniform, remember your child will grow over the summer. Buy early and do not label it until you have checked the fit again at the end of August – most suppliers will exchange if unworn.
Get your child to try on their new school uniform to help them feel comfortable in their new clothes, they may experience sensitivity to some fabrics or fastenings and they may have to learn to wear a tie and blazer for the first time.
New equipment – bringing in and carrying their own equipment:–
Pens and pencils aren’t provided like they are in primary school — in secondary school, children need to make sure they have a fully equipped pencil case. Children will have to also bring in any items needed for certain lessons or activities on specified days, e.g. PE kit, cooking ingredients etc. and may also need to bring in books or workbooks for different subjects.
Find out which type of school bag most pupils at the school use. Carrying their own books means that flimsy choices won’t last: rucksacks are a popular choice.
Check what everyday equipment (e.g. pencil case, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser, ruler, highlighter pens, note pad, etc.), and subject specific equipment (e.g. geometry set, calculator, text books, PE kit, etc.) your child will be required to take to school
A clear pencil case will allow a quick visual check that all items have been picked up. If your child tends to lose their pencil case regularly, having an emergency kit ready will avoid anxiety. A hole-punched pouch, which attaches inside a ring binder is may be better option for some students.
A new bigger environment:-
Ensure your child can read and make sense of a map.
Help your child to familiarise themselves with the new school layout from a school map provided at open or induction days or looking on the school website to prepare them for moving around the school and moving to different classrooms for different lessons.
A wider range of subjects/lessons, extra-curricular clubs and activities:-
Talk to your child about any concerns they may have in relation to new subjects. Subjects are grouped together in primary school but are separated out in secondary school into distinct subject areas e.g. Science may be split into Physics, Chemistry and Biology, English may be split in to Language and Literature, etc.
Get your child to think about whether or not they may like to explore taking part in extra-curricular clubs ad activities on offer – Joining a club or after school activity can be a good way to meet new people and make new friends.
Using a school diary/planner and timetable:–
Ensure your child can read and follow a timetable. It may be useful to copy out their timetable and put it on the wall at home. Using colour coding to note the different equipment required each day (e.g. PE kits, food tech ingredients) may also be helpful.
Some schools may operate a two-week timetable. If so, get your child to label which week is which in their planner/calendar/diary, to avoid confusion.
Some schools provide a physical school diary/planner for students a carry around with them whilst other schools provide similar via an online portal.
Encourage your child to be able to organise themselves as independently as possible – Having a timetable on the wall or memory jogger at the front door for important items might be useful e.g. a written or photo checklist.
A mobile phone is almost a ‘given’ these days and can give reassurance to you and your child in an emergency. Schools have differing policies about them though, so be sure to check.
Jewellery and make up – most schools have rules on what is and is not allowed.
Behaviour and discipline policies – make sure your child is aware of acceptable behaviour and sanctions that will be applied if they do not follow school rules e.g. detention
Break and Lunchtime arrangements:-
Some schools have designated playground and other areas for different year groups at break and lunchtime.
Some schools have vending machines or tuck shops for students to buy snacks at break times.
Get your child ready for handling money or a payment card to be able to use vending machines, tuck shops and the school cafeteria – some schools use a payment card to avoid students having to carry cash.
If your child will be taking a packed lunch to school, check if the school has designated areas for packed lunch to be eaten.
Homework:-
There will certainly be more homework tasks to remember and complete on time than there were in primary school.
Ensure your child will have a suitable work space at home to do their homework.
Although not essential, access to a computer and printer at home is definitely recommended. Many schools set homework online or encourage pupils to complete work via secure document-sharing sites.
Find out about homework clubs at school – often homework clubs are an easier way for your child to get their homework completed without having to spend too much time on homework at home. They may also be able to get support at homework club if they are not clear on how to complete the homework set or require additional support with their learning and homework.
