Starting Secondary School

Moving from primary to secondary school can be like a goldfish moving from its bowl to the sea - things suddenly seem very big! Don't worry. Everybody settles in and everybody 'learns the ropes.' Everybody else in your year is in the same boat. They may not look it, but they're just as nervous as you are. Moving to secondary school is an opportunity, not a problem. Things are different and all you need to do is be polite, learn the new rules, learn the new ways of doing things and ask people if you are not sure what to do.

There are some things that are different to primary school that you can prepare for to make the change easier.

• You will have a Log Book/Homework Diary (sometimes called a student planner). Make sure that you write in this your timetable, teachers and where each lesson is. You will be given this information on the first day of term. If your parent’s have any information they want to tell your teacher get them to write it in your Log Book, it won’t get lost then.
• Always write down your homework in the diary. Also, write down when it is due in. Then you can check it at home and not get into trouble for handing in work late! You can also write down friends' telephone numbers in it.
• You will have your lessons with different teachers in different rooms. Get friendly with people in your teaching groups and help each other, remember where the rooms are.
• Before you go to bed, check your timetable and pack your bag. This will make sure that you are prepared for the next day and your morning will be less stressful!
• Remember, don't worry: everyone is nervous about starting secondary school (yes, even the loud people) but everyone settles in. Including you!
• Learn your way around school. Try and get a good mental map of the school in your head quite quickly. It'll make you feel more confident when you're moving round the school.
• Find these places during your first day: First Aid, Pastoral Office and Reception. These are all places where you can find help, advice or support any time during the school day if you have a problem.
• If you should feel poorly or have an accident in school you will go to First Aid to be looked after. Your parents will be contacted if necessary, so don’t worry.
• If you like football, chess, art, choir, join a club. After school activity clubs are a great way to make friends with people in your year. Ask in the Pastoral Office for more information.