Exploring Teens Issue 8 / Feb-Mar 2016 | Page 6

EXPLORING TRANSITIONS

THE LEAP TO HIGH SCHOOL

The leap to high school is one of the most significant and possibly the most scary
transitions a child will experience. Here are some tips to make it easier.
By Jenny Atkinson

F

or many children, leaving the familiarity
of primary school and heading into the
unknown world of high school can be like
a rollercoaster ride — new and exciting
moments mixed with confusion, uncertainty
and fear. Children are also dealing with
the emotional, physical and psychological
changes that puberty brings, making this
one of the most significant transitions they
will experience.
Transitioning to high school is not just about
moving to a new school. To cope with the
demands placed upon them, children need
to develop a range of skills and attitudes,
and this takes time and support.
If you are worried about how your child
will handle this move, don’t despair.
Outlined below are some practical
suggestions on how to support your child
before he or she starts, and also in the
first weeks and months of high school.
Your support will make all the difference
for a smooth transition and can help to set
your child up for continued success.

Before starting high school

¡¡ Fear of the unknown is one of the
biggest challenges children face prior
to starting. Looking through the school’s
website and visiting the school for open
days, performances and orientation
days help your children become more
comfortable in their new surroundings.
¡¡ Looking over a map of the school can
help reduce anxiety as children often
worry that they will get lost in a much
bigger school.
¡¡ Reassure your child that while there are
some differences ahead, many things such
as basic school rules and expectations
of behaviour stay the same as primary
school. Not everything changes.
¡¡ Highlight the aspects of high school
you think your child will enjoy. For some
this may be making lots of new friends,
while others might like more interesting
science or art classes.
¡¡ Encourage your children to be
independent, as it will help them handle
their responsibilities in high school.
¡¡ Help them develop a range of coping

© monkey_business / Stockfresh
strategies to deal with problems that arise.
¡¡ Set up a plan for travelling to and from
school, including a back-up plan for
missed buses or trains. Do a trial run
together if they feel unsure.

The first few weeks of high school

¡¡ Maintain family routines at home as this
offers stability at a time when they are
coping with many changes.
¡¡ Make sure your children eat well and get
plenty of sleep, as they may be quite
tired in the first few weeks. Keep an
eye on the balance between family life,
homework and activities.
¡¡ When children feel unsure during
transition, they benefit from feeling
connected with their family. It helps to
keep the lines of communication open so
they’re more likely to share what’s going
on with their transition.
¡¡ Joining a club, sports team or interest
group at school are great ways to make
new friends.
¡¡ Build their time management and
organisation skills to help them cope with
the amount of homework. These are skills
learned over time so you may need to
offer ongoing support. Encourage them
to write all assignments, homework and
events in their diary.
¡¡ Colour coding their books, diary and
timetable (one colour per subject) can
help them to be more organised.
¡¡ Remind them to check through their
timetable each night while they pack the
items they need for the next day.
¡¡ Set regular times for homework and
manage the distractions.

6 EXPLORINGTEENS FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 • ISSUE 8

Who can help at school?

During transition,