5 ways to help prepare your child for the transition to Secondary

The transition from Primary to Secondary is a time full of fun and excitement, but it can also be challenging for many children. The changing environments, relationships, behaviours, routines, roles and expectations can all be overwhelming.

At Regents Park Christian School, students are supported to be the best they can be always. We believe that the careful management of the transition between Primary and Secondary is vital to students’ success and wellbeing.

Within our school, teachers across year levels work together to ensure that Year 6 students are well prepared to move to Year 7. By the time a student walks into their Year 7 class, their teacher already knows and understands their learning needs.

As a parent or caregiver, you can help too! It’s important that your child feels heard, prepared and supported at home, as well at school.

Here’s 5 ways you can help prepare your child for the transition to Secondary School:

Communicate. Talk with your child – what are they looking forward to, what are they worried about. Really listen when your child shares their feelings, and reassure them that it’s normal to worry about going to secondary school. Also ask them if there’s anything they want their new teachers to know about them.
Involve. Ask your child if they have any ideas to make the transition easier and involve them in the decision-making process. You can talk together about transport options to and from school, and discuss what subjects they are looking forward to and electives they may take in future years.
Prepare. Make sure your child goes to any secondary school transition and orientation programs. Find out the name of the teacher responsible for your child’s overall care. If possible, make an appointment to meet them together. Work with your child to ensure they have everything ready for their first day; uniform, stationery, lunchbox and drink bottle. You can even ask the school for your child’s weekly timetable and identify where they need to be on their first morning.
Be positive. Encourage your child to look at the positive side of the move to secondary school. Highlight the new opportunities your child will have, new friends they’ll meet, and talk about extracurricular activities your child could choose at the new school.
Pray. God is always here to offer strength and guidance. Pray together with your child, asking him to guide, to protect, to comfort and support as they step out into this exciting new future.