Advice on Transitioning to Secondary School

We know that some of you will be thinking about your children’s transition to secondary school after the summer break. Although many children may feel excited about this, we know for others that the change of moving from primary to secondary could make them feel anxious.

We spoke to Childline and here are some of their top tips on how to support your children in their transition to secondary school:

What are children worried about?

• Worries about being bullied
• Having new teachers
• Going to a different school from their friends and losing contact with them
• Not being able to make new friends
• Exams and homework being hard
• Finding their way around a bigger school

A boy aged 11 said: “I’m feeling nervous about going to secondary school, I don’t really know what to expect or who to ask questions to. I know there will be all these different classes with different teachers, and I think that will be confusing. What do I do if I get lost between classes? Will they be really strict?”

Helping your children to cope and feel positive

• Being prepared for how they will get to their new school can help them feel calmer and more confident. If a parent or carer is taking them, it can help to plan what they need to do to be ready on time. If they are going on their own, make sure they know the way.
• Taking time to make sure they have everything they need. This could include things like:
  • Finding out what they need to take, such as pens, pencils or a calculator
  • Having a copy of their lesson timetable
  • Writing down their homework and when it’s due, so that they don’t forget

Understanding how the brain works and how we learn can also be beneficial in easing this transition. For a deeper dive into this topic, read our blog here.

Speak up

Children should ask questions if they are worried about something. We know it can be scary when they don’t know who to talk to at school, but it’s important to remember that teachers are there to help. They can also ask reception staff or the school nurse if they need support. Some schools will also have mentors or other pupils who are there to support them as well.

Making new friends

If they’re starting a new school and don’t know anyone, they might feel anxious or scared that people won’t like them. They could feel lonely at first, but there are things that can make this easier.

• Positive body language, such as smiling, looking the person in the eye and speaking clearly and confidently.
• Try practising going up to someone new. The more they try, the easier it can be.
• Remember that it can take time to make new friends. If they’re worried about break or lunch times, they could find out if they can use the library or ICT rooms until they feel more confident.

Talk to someone

If they had a great first day or if they found it difficult, it can help to talk about it. Saying what they found hard can help them to think of ways to cope and feel better. They could speak to you as parents or carers, a friend or a Childline counsellor. Childline can be contacted on the phone on 0800 1111 or online at childline.org.uk

Bye Primary, Hi Secondary!

If you have children who are moving from primary to secondary school this year, it’s perfectly normal that they (& you) will have a lot of questions. We put children’s questions to friendly rapper, poet, author and teacher, Christian Foley.

What are teachers like in secondary school?

They are human as well! The main difference is that rather than getting to know one class teacher a lot, you get to know a lot of class teachers, but not quite as well. Secondary teachers expect you to do your best, and they want what is best for you, and that can mean reminding you of the rules.

What rules are there in secondary school that are different to primary school?

In three words: homework, equipment, punctuality. You’ve got to do your assignments, bring the right stuff to class and turn up on time. Other rules like don’t mess around or treat someone else unkindly – they are punished just like they were in primary – except now it’s a bit more serious. We expect more from you as you grow up, because your thinking develops too.

What are break times like? Can we still play or do we have to do older kid stuff?

You might have a designated Year 7 break time, so you’ll just be with your own age. If not, the older kids tend to hang around by themselves and they’ll stay out of your way. There’s always some sort of game going on and it’s also a great time to chat and meet new people.

The school I’m going to is huge. What if I get lost and I’m late for a lesson?

You never need to panic, because everyone else is in the same situation as you. Never be afraid to ask for help or directions. Secondary schools are larger than primary schools in every way, and that includes the area they cover, but don’t worry, making your way around gets easier by the day. Just say “I’m sorry I’m late” during the first term and they won’t mind, but if you’re still doing it in Year 13, you’re probably getting lost on purpose.

Will there be lots more homework?

Homework, well, there’s no avoiding it; you are going to have to do some homework. Teachers don’t want to assign so much homework that it stresses you out, though. It’s meant to be a supplement to your classroom learning. Like a side plate with your main course, to make sure you get enough educational nutrition. Treat homework like broccoli, even if you don’t like the taste. Trust me, you’ll be better off having it.

What will we have to do on the first day?

You will line up with your class. You might already know some people in the line from primary school or induction days, or everyone might be completely new, but don’t worry – they won’t be strangers for long. You’ll probably have a welcome assembly. You will then meet your form tutor, who is the teacher that will be with you all year. Form tutors have a pastoral role for you, that means they look after your wellbeing, and make sure you are happy and everything is okay. On your first day, they might run some activities to help you get to know one another. But don’t worry, there are more reasons to be excited than nervous.

Some of my best friends are going to a different school. Will we still stay friends?

My mum says: “The friendships that are meant to last, will last.” Perhaps you may lose touch with some of your class, that’s completely natural, but anyone that you want to stay close to, you’ll find a way. Life will unfold as it is meant to, so try not to stress about it.

To read more helpful articles like this visit the Talking Points section of our website or sign up for First News at home and at school!