Home > School Life > Moving From Primary School to Secondary School

Moving From Primary School to Secondary School

By: Christine Whitfield BA (hons) - Updated: 19 Jun 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Schools Children Friends Secondary

Sometimes adults forget the worries that children have. The problems kids have may pale insignificance to ‘grown up’ issues like paying the mortgage and getting a job. But they shouldn’t forget that children go through tough times too and none cause more distress to young children than the move from primary school to secondary school.

Secondary school is very different to primary school. At primary school children feel much more secure. The classes are smaller and the teachers get to know the children well. The same twenty or thirty children have the same teacher every day, all day so manage to build a close relationship with each other and with their teacher.

Secondary school is somewhat scary for children. Classes are much bigger and the children have a different teacher for each subject, and often different classmates too. It is harder to build relationships quickly. The sheer size of the school can be daunting. There is more independence for the children and that is not always welcomed by them. But there are ways you can make the experience easier for yourself.

Take Advantage Of Open Days

Most senior schools offer open days before the start of term where the new students can come and look around the school, either as a group or with a parent. Go along to this. Get to know the route to school and the layout etc. before you actually start. This will mean the experience will be less daunting when you do start.

If Possible, Go To A School Where You Know Others

It is not always possible but where it is, try and go to a school where you will know other children. Some children find it very difficult to make friends quickly so going to a school where you already have at least one or two friends will make it easier for you to adapt.

Speak With The Teachers

It's not very nice to have to leave school and the teacher you've got so close to but unfortunately that's what happens when you have to move to secondary school. However you can make an effort to get to know the teachers both before you start and when you are attending. Before you start, when you attend the open day, talk to the teachers. Tell them about yourself and get to know them a little. Once you start at the school talk to the teachers if you feel you're having difficulty.

Get Excited About Going To School

You will no doubt be nervous before starting secondary school. Try to turn that nervousness into excitement. Go shopping for stationery and new books for school. Think positively and remember how much fun it will be.

Going to secondary school can be traumatic but with the right help and preparation it can turn out to be among the best experience of your life, where you'll make solid friendships and have some great experiences. Just make sure you talk about your problems and get the best help you can.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
[Add a Comment]
@tabz, you could get them some friendship bracelets, or make some, so that you all have one to remember each other by. Or you could get a photo book made for each of your friends with pics of you all from your time a school, you can get them online for about £5 just do a quick search. If you didn't want to do that you could get a picture of you all printed on a canvas bag for each of your friends to use as a book bag in your new school, or you could have a picture printed on a mug. Have fun in your new school :)
BigSis - 19-Jun-12 @ 9:39 AM
I am leaving primary school what shall I get my friends as a leaving present I have this group called supr six and I don't know what to get my other 5 friends?
tabz - 18-Jun-12 @ 9:17 PM
I was the same - i moved last year.There woz nothing to worry about and it's mega.don't b scared :-0)
movin-up - 26-May-12 @ 9:49 AM
I'm scared about moving schools. I'm leaving in July!
Unknown - 7-May-12 @ 11:24 AM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • mari
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    My mom , she always have rules in my life . I am 17 and this year gonna be 18 . My mom all the time taking my phone, checking my…
    18 March 2024
  • help
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    I'm already 17 and I'm in love with an 18yo girl with acute depression. But when my parents found out, they want me to stop my…
    6 February 2024
  • help
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    I'm already 17 and I'm in love to an 18yo girl with acute depression. When my parents found out, they are forcing me to stop all my…
    6 February 2024
  • Ariana Grande
    Re: Coping with a Jealous Friend
    The friends i keep are mostly male friends, because guys don't easily get jealous. My female friends always envy my life; for…
    27 January 2024
  • shallot
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    Yo guys, Im 10 and I just had an argument with my mom, now she won’t help me with my drawing homework and my other writing…
    17 January 2024
  • Emre
    Re: Beauty Tips for Boys
    .
    9 January 2024
  • Leana
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    So basically im 17 years old when i was 13 years i used to talk with a male who is 22 years! Because of my daddy issues ive gotten…
    15 December 2023
  • THANK YOU
    Re: Beauty Tips for Boys
    WOW THIS IS GREAT! IT IS VERY HELPFUL!
    6 December 2023
  • was
    Re: Steroids
    where i can buy
    28 November 2023
  • Rhirhi
    Re: Coping With Strict Parents
    I'm a 20 year old , my parents are so strict . I stay at home 24/7 , the only time I get to leave the house is when I'm going to…
    26 November 2023