As parents, the transition from primary to secondary school is a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey. We understand the importance of this transition and are committed to supporting both you and your children to ensure you are both well-prepared for secondary school life.
Understanding the Transition
The move to secondary school is more than just a change of environment – it represents a shift in academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal responsibilities. In literature on students’ transition between primary and secondary school, it is argued that the move from primary to secondary school also involves a transition between two radically different cultures of schooling and that problems of truancy, school failure, non-compliance, and inappropriate behaviour in the early years of high school can often be attributed to the radical changes that occur in students’ day-to-day lives as they make the move from one school to the next. Therefore, adequately preparing your child for these changes can help ease the transition and set them up for success.
Common Fears and Concerns
We interviewed one of our Guidance and Counselling Officers, Mr Vincent, on the topic. During this conversation, we asked him what he had noticed over the years concerning the most popular fears and concerns shared by students relating to the transition. According to him, some common worries include:
- Finding new friends
- Anxiety due to change of physical environment
- A fear of increased workload and subject difficulty
- Fear of the Unknown: The new environment, with unfamiliar faces and places, can be intimidating.
- Academic Pressure: Concerns about keeping up with more challenging coursework and new subjects.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a crucial role in helping their children navigate these fears and concerns. Here are some tips Mr Vincent shared with us to guide parents:
- Have periodic talks with their children where relevant life experiences and tips are shared.
- Set realistic expectations for your children to keep them focused and purposeful.
- Visit the school environment and build relationships with the school authorities through attending Parent-Teacher meetings and the like. (The more the parent understands the school and its environment the more they can help their children navigate the experience.)
Other tips include:
- Build Confidence: Encourage your child to participate in orientation activities and meet new classmates before the school year starts.
- Time Management: Help your child develop good organisational skills and time management habits to handle the increased workload and extracurricular activities.
- Support Networks: Remind your child that they can seek help from teachers, school counsellors, and family members whenever they need it.
How GIS support its Students
At Greenoak, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to ensure a smooth transition for our students. One of our key initiatives is our “Moving Up Day” event, where students spend a day at the secondary school, experiencing a typical school day, meeting their future teachers, and interacting with other key staff in the secondary campus. This initiative helps to demystify the secondary school experience and build confidence.
Conclusion
The transition to secondary school is a significant step in your child’s life, and with careful preparation and support, it can be a positive and enriching experience. At Greenoak International School, we are dedicated to providing our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in their new environment.
By working together, we can help ensure that your child navigates this transition smoothly and embarks on their secondary school journey with enthusiasm and resilience.