Starting sixth form or college could present new challenges for your child, particularly if they are studying in a new environment, so they might need a bit of extra support while they settle in. This year they will also need to start thinking about what to do when they have finished their A levels or other qualifications.
STUDYING AT A NEW LEVEL
The move from school to sixth form or college can take a bit of getting used to. Your child’ s studies will be more challenging academically and they’ ll have to take more responsibility for their own education. If they are at a new sixth form or college, they’ ll also need to learn to find their way around a new building, get used to new teachers and get to know new classmates. Even if they stay at the same school, there are likely to be new rules, responsibilities and ways of working.
Sometimes students can struggle to adapt; it’ s good to be aware of this so you can offer your support should your child need it.
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD THE TRANSITION TO SIXTH FORM / COLLEGE
• If your child is going somewhere new, make sure they are confident about how to get there and what they need to do on their first day.
• They will probably have more free time than they did at school, so it’ s useful if they can share their timetable with you so that you know when they are going in.
• Find out what support is available at their school / college, so that you can encourage them to seek help if they need it. For example, at college they are likely to have a personal tutor, subject tutors and access to student support services.
• Chat with them regularly to find out how they feel things are going.
• If they are finding things difficult, contact the school / college sooner rather than later and talk to their personal tutor to see what support can be put in place.
• If they feel the subjects or courses they have chosen really aren’ t right for them, it may be possible to change. However, they should talk to their tutors about this as soon as possible as they may not be able to swap courses beyond a certain deadline.