Ruling the roost as a grade 6 pupil in primary school then moving to the bottom of the ladder
in year 7 at the secondary stage can be a challenge.
The transition from primary to secondary school means separating from friends, adapting to a new environment and new teachers, and becoming more independent … all of which can be daunting. But there are ways parents can support their children to help make the changeover easier.
Firstly, parents can tell their children about the positives associated with starting secondary school, to get them excited rather than just nervous.
Discuss making new friends, learning a wider variety of subjects and having contact with more teachers who can provide extra learning support. It’s important to talk about what the child is most looking forward to as well as what worries them.
Attend an orientation day or take a school tour
with your child. This way, they familiarise themselves with their new learning environment, thereby feeling less overwhelmed when it comes to actually starting secondary school. Find out whether there’s a buddy system at the school the child can be linked into. That’s where, for example, year 8 students befriend year 7s and take them under their wing.
When your child knows what subjects they’ll be studying, set up a routine with them for homework to ensure they allow time for each subject and encourage them to use their student diary … but be sure to include leisure time.
Ensure your child has a quiet, dedicated place to study, away from the TV and other distractions. And encourage him or her to join extra-curricular activities to meet like-minded friends through the school’s music or sport programs.
After children start secondary school, their behaviours and attitudes may change, so it’s crucial to keep boundaries in place for them to stay on track.
For children who don’t seem to be coping well initially with secondary school, use of the school’s counsellor may prove beneficial, and don’t forget to talk with other parents in the same position. Their tips can help, too.
Rebecca Miller
