The transition from primary to secondary school marks a major milestone in your child’s life. Moving to a new, larger school with new teachers and classmates can be an intimidating and stressful experience for children. As a parent, you play a vital role in ensuring your child feels excited, prepared and supported during this transition period. With some advance planning and open communication, you can ease any worries and help your child adjust to the changes positively.
Get Your Child Excited About Secondary School
One of the best things you can do is cultivate enthusiasm and optimism about secondary school. Highlight all the new opportunities and freedoms your child will have like getting lockers, having multiple teachers and classes, choosing new subjects, making new friends, having more independence, and participating in after-school activities. Share your own positive secondary school experiences and memories to get them excited. Also, arrange for them to visit the new school beforehand so they can get familiar and comfortable with the environment.
Keep Communication Open
Make sure you are regularly checking in with your child about how they are feeling about the move to secondary school. Give them opportunities to ask questions and voice any specific concerns or fears they might have so you can offer reassurance. Common worries include getting lost, being bullied, struggling with schoolwork and not making friends. Providing a judgement-free space for them to open up will help ease anxiety. Stay positive but realistic in your responses.
Involve Your Child in Practical Preparations
Giving your child some ownership over practical preparations can help them feel more in control and ready for the change. Take them shopping for new school uniform, equipment, and bags. Encourage them to pick out lunch boxes and water bottles they are happy with too. Over the summer, start adjusting their routine to match secondary school times for waking up, leaving the house, and bedtimes. Practicing the journey to and from school can also help familiarise them with the route.
Discuss Expectations Around Independence
Discuss the increased responsibilities and independence your child will need to take on at secondary school. They will be moving between classes alone, organising their homework and equipment by themselves, and making new friends independently. Set clear expectations around areas like organisational skills, communication with teachers, and completing homework on time. You can even come up with a responsibility contract together to help your child feel accountable.
Attend Residentials at Primary School
Most primary schools will organise short residential trips at the end of Year 6 to help pupils become more independent before moving to secondary school. These camps for schoolsallow children to spend 2-3 nights away from home with their classmates and teachers, which can help teach self-reliance and responsibility. Attending these trips gives your child a taste of looking after themselves and bonding with peers without parents around.
Keep in Contact with Primary School
Your child’s primary school will be able to provide useful information to help them settle in at secondary school. Stay in regular contact with primary teachers to discuss your child’s learning style, strengths, difficulties, or special needs so these can be supported going forward. The primary school may also have details of which classmates your child will be joining at secondary school which can provide some continuity.
Moving to secondary school is a major step, but with the right support from you, it can be an exciting fresh start for your child. By getting them enthused, involving them, and communicating openly, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.