Moving schools can seem scary. But it can also be an exciting new start. Whatever you’re worried about, we’ve got advice to support you and help you feel positive.
Plan how you're getting there
Being prepared for how you’re going to get to your new school can help you to feel calmer and more confident. It can help to plan what you need to do to be ready on time. If you’re going on your own, make sure you know the way.
Prepare what you'll need
It can take time to adjust when you start at a new school. There are lots of things you can do to make sure you’re prepared:
- find out what you need to take like pens, pencils or a calculator
- make a note of your lesson timetable
- write down your homework and when it’s due so you don’t forget.
Remember that your new school might have different rules or expectations.
If you’re ever not sure, ask a teacher or an adult you trust.
Ask questions
It can be scary when you don’t know who to talk to at school if you’re worried.
Teachers are there to help, but you can also ask reception staff or the school nurse if you need support.
Some schools will have mentors or other pupils who are there to support you. If you don’t feel comfortable asking for support at school, you can speak to your parents or carers or to an adult you trust.
Get to know people
If you’re starting a new school on your own you might feel anxious or scared people won’t like you. It can feel lonely when you don’t know anyone. But there are things to make things easier.
Positive body language can really help when making friends.
Try smiling, looking the person in the eye and speaking clearly and confidently.
Practise going up to someone new.
The more you try the easier it can be.
Things to remember:
- it's scary going up to someone new but you'll gain more confidence
- it's good to smile if someone's friendly to you,
- try to be friendly back it can take time to make friends don't be hard on yourself
- if you freeze up - you can always try another time.
Talk about it
Whether your first day was great or awful, it can help to talk about it.
Saying what you found difficult can help you to think of ways to cope and help you to feel better.
Things to look forward to
Here are a few of the things that Year 6s often say that are really excited about when starting secondary school. Can you think of anything else to add to this list?
The school dinners - secondary schools generally have more choice of food, plus snacks you can buy at breaktime.
Specialist equipment - science labs, dance studios, music rooms, fitness suites, art rooms and more!
New subjects - you may study subjects you’ve never tried before, such as dance, languages, woodworking, and electronics
School trips - you may be able to sign up to school trips to visit other places, including other countries!
School clubs - there are so many options for clubs you can choose to be part of, including sports, bands, art, languages, gaming, and more!
More independence - many Year 6s are really excited about the idea of becoming more independent; taking more responsibility for your own learning, walking to school on your own, managing your own homework schedule, and (in a couple of years) becoming a teenager!
