FEATURE BY ANDREW DAVIES So what is different about a secondary school? • Classes may be larger • Bigger school environment • No personal desks and the use of lockers to store belongings • Subject specific teachers • Independent travel to school • Homework – greater volume and expectation • The need for greater organisational skills and meeting deadlines • Career choices at a time when the child may not see he/she has any strengths
How you can help as a parent: • It is important to communicate with your child’s school. Make sure you know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns. Attend any meetings and parents evenings. • Make sure that the correct uniform is ready for your child and encourage your child to pack his/her bag the night before. • Your child will probably get quite tired, so make sure that he/she has early nights. Tiredness can have an adverse affect on concentration and behaviour. • Check and sign your child’s planner regularly and check his/her bag for letters. • Familiarise yourself with your child’s timetable, maybe post it in an accessible place in the home. • Make sure you’re aware of the school rules, expectations and behaviour policy. • Try and make time each day to talk to your child about his/her school day. Discuss homework and if necessary encourage your child to attend the homework club. Your child will need a quiet place to study at home and will need to learn to organise his/her own time. Make sure that the school has information on any services involved with your child, e.g. social, physical, speech and language, etc. • Be aware of the emotional pressure of transferring to a new school and the larger environment.
How children can help themselves: • Get off to a good start! • Make sure you have some early nights. With so many new things to get used to, you will be surprised how tired you become. • Make sure you have the correct uniform and if you have to wear a tie, learn to tie it. • Pack your bag the day before so you can check that you have the correct equipment for the next day. This is a good habit to get into once you have your school timetable. • Know how long it takes to get to school – leave in plenty of time. If you walk to school, try to go with a friend, brother or sister. • Use your planner/diary to help you get organised. You will probably be given a map to help you find your way around. • Listen to the instructions that the staff give you and make sure you’re aware of school rules and expectations. • Look out for clubs/activities that you may like to join; there will be plenty on offer. • Talk to your parents/carers about your new experiences at school. • All this information can become a little confusing so don’t be afraid to ask if you need help. You won’t be the only one feeling this way.
The Citizenship Magazine for Schools 15