Malton Community Primary School
For pupils and parents.
By Mandy Carpenter
“When life changes to be harder -
change yourself to be stronger!” Edwin Mamerto
FOREWORD
I compiled this book through taking part in Action Research into transition this
involved:
• Working with groups of Year 6 pupils.
• Questionnaires sent out to parents and pupils and collating their
responses.
• Gathering lots of research into how pupils can benefit from a successful
transition process.
• Speaking to secondary schools about they approach transition.
• Attending a taster day with the year 6 pupils at one of the secondary
schools.
• Looking at how Malton Community Primary School can help parents help
their children.
All the above was under the guidance and support of the Head teacher.
Transition is a passion of mine and I know that it impacts massively on pupils,
and if I can make it easier for pupils, I have fulfilled my goal.
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CONTENTS
PAGE 1 Foreword
PAGE 2 Contents
PAGE 3 Getting lost
PAGE 4, 5, 6 Making friends at secondary school
PAGE 6, 7 Being bullied
PAGE 7, 8 How to avoid getting detentions
PAGE 8, 9 Being late for school
PAGE 9, 10 Uniform matters
PAGE 10, 11 Organising books and equipment
PAGE 11, 12 Homework
PAGE 13 Finding classwork too difficult
PAGE 13, 14 Help with exams and tests
PAGE 14 Having property and money stolen
PAGE 15 Changing for PE
PAGE 15 Lunchtimes – coping in the canteen
PAGE 15, 16 Take attendance seriously
PAGE 16 Preparing for first day
PAGE 16 Some questions that have been asked by Year 6 pupils
PAGE 17 Website information
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Moving up secondary school
Transition to secondary school can conjure up all sorts of emotions and feelings, even in
children who are not usually fazed by anything. Being nervous is natural and understandable
we all go through feeling nervous from time to time but it’s how we deal with it that is
important.
Tips to help you with your concerns:
1. Getting lost:
Key tasks for pupils:
• Knowing what lessons take place on a particular day.
• Knowing where the classroom is for each lesson.
• Knowing who the teacher is.
• Understanding the timetable.
• Getting to lessons on time – especially after break.
Tips for parents:
• Following your visit to school, talk about how it is laid out/organised.
• Reassure your child that they will quickly get to know their way around (most have
mastered it within a couple of weeks), and that they move around as a group to start
with. Teachers are very understanding about children getting lost to begin with and
usually help is at hand when needed.
• Your child will be given a plan of the school. Talk about getting from one place to
another.
When you start at secondary school:
• Have a copy of your timetable at home so you can refer to it.
• Learn what lessons you have on which days so you can become independent.
• Wear a watch.
• If you get lost in school try to find a teacher or a member of staff who will help you.
• Organise your books and equipment.
• Have a system for keeping your books and equipment.
• Knowing what lessons, you will have on a particular day
• Knowing what equipment is needed for each lesson (ruler, compass, calculator for
Maths).
• Use your planner to write important notes, messages and homework. Refer to your
planner as a reminder.
• Pack your bag with everything the night before because you may forget something if
you rush in the morning.
• If you are late to school on a morning you need to sign in at reception.
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2. How to make friends at a new school:
Starting a new school can be difficult. Everything seems weird, and you don’t know where to
go for your classes. So, making friends can be hard too!
Finding your confidence:
Take a deep breath. You shouldn’t be nervous – you are going to a new school, not to a
torture chamber. Remember that in your new school you will find children your age. You are
going to meet people who like you there.
Be yourself. Never change you are to try to fit in. if your friends don’t accept you for you,
they are not really friends.
Be hygienic. No ones like a whiff of body odour or bad breath. Shower daily, wear
deodorant, brush your teeth, and wash your hair. Designer clothes are not necessary, but
look neat, whatever you wear.
Having a positive approach:
Be kind to the people you meet at your new school. Make sure to be nice to people of all
cultures and backgrounds. If you think you will say something that will make them feel sad,
do not say anything and just nod your head if they talk to you. Also, remember to be as kind
and as helpful as possible.
Be inviting. A smile goes a long way. Make sure you make eye contact with other people. If
you see someone you know, give a smile or say hi. Give compliments; ask them how long
they have been coming to this school? They may then feel that they want to get to know
you better.
Make the first move. Anywhere, in the toilet block, near your locker, or at the water
fountain, you can find someone that has things in common with you, all you need to know is
how to approach them. Strike up a conversation, smile and compliment them, and, of
course, introduce yourself and tell them where you came from! You never know where you
can find a nice friend.
Remember people’s names. You like it when people use your name, and other people do,
too. Moreover, people can get annoyed if you don’t remember their name. Ask them gently
if they have a nickname. You will be surprised where this can come in handy.
Do something nice for someone. Save someone a seat. Say ’hi’ in the hall. Give
congratulations for a job well done. Pay them a compliment: ‘I love your shoes/backpack’ it
can make wonders.
Getting involved:
Join after school clubs you like. There are number of clubs you can take part in like sports
clubs, homework club. Even if you don’t know someone there you will share common
interests. You will get to meet new friends and will experience different personalities from
yours but with the same Interest.
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Look for other people who are new to the school. You’re probably not the only one and at
the very least, you’ll have one thing in common, you’re both in an unfamiliar environment.
The good news is, if you are starting at a new school at start of the year, almost everyone
there is new! Since being new is something that you all have in common, making new
friends shouldn’t be that hard, talk about your old school, your new school, your opinions,
teachers etc.
Don’t sit at the back of the class where other people don’t notice you. Try to sit in the
middle where you are around people and can make conversation.
Detecting the cliques:
There will be people to avoid for a while: Don’t be mean to them and don’t completely
avoid them, because who knows, they may be really nice people! You may have heard
others talking about them and made your mind up on their opinions but just take your time
to get to know the real person. Also stay away from the types that are in gangs and do
criminal activities. You need to be yourself. Be strong, and don’t try to please everyone
around you if it doesn’t please you.
Enjoying your new friendships:
Finally, meet up with your new friends outside of school once you get to know them. This
is an important step in making true friends who you can rely on. Just be yourself and don’t
let anyone change that.
Tips:
• Try to find common interests with the person you would like to be friends with.
• If you are naturally shy, try to seem open to others by keeping your head high and
smiling. Don't stare at the floor when walking, look at the people around you. Greet
others. Push your boundaries everyday.
• Be approachable. Don't be afraid to start conversations with people you have sat
next to in your classes.
• Talk to a lot of different people so you get to know a mix of people from different
groups and backgrounds.
• Don't be judgemental or rude to others, even if they are rude to you.
• Don't push into a group, gradually introduce yourself. Hopefully they will let you in.
• Quality over quantity. Don't automatically assume that the more friends you’ll have,
the happier you’ll be. A few close friends can lead to richer relationships than a large
but impersonal group.
• Don't draw too much attention to yourself. It may backfire – you might embarrass
yourself.
• Don't worry if you don’t make friends on the first day! You still have ten months to
make friends – besides, it’s better to take a bit of time to choose your friends.
• Don't get too cliquey with one person! Be friends with everyone until you get to
know everyone a little bit better and then you can decide which to keep close.
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Warnings:
• When you get a friend don’t boss them around, because they would not like
someone else telling them what to do.
• Don't show off a lot, because many people don’t like boasters. Be a normal kid, and
when you get a friend you can talk about your interests! If you happen to be an
intelligent person who naturally participates in class, don’t hinder yourself merely for
the sake of the others. Likewise, if you have talents in other areas, such as music or
physical activities, by no means should you hold yourself back.
• Don't try too hard. This really falls under the category of changing yourself in order
to seem more attractive to others. Don't fake interests, or cling onto you want to be
friends with. Be natural and friendly, but don’t overdo it.
• When you get a friend, don’t monopolise the conversation. If it is obvious that they
would like to steer clear of a certain topic, then respect that!
• Keep your family and old friends close. Maybe even try to make some friends out of
school so that you have someone to talk to.
• Be careful, you don’t want to make someone mad by going up and talking to them. If
it looks like they are in a bad mood, it’d be a good idea to stay away! Even if you are
the caring type that tries to help those in distress, people don’t usually like perfect
strangers asking them personal questions.
3. Being bullied:
Teasing – most children have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point. And it’s not
usually harmful when done in a playful, friendly and natural way and both of them find it
funny. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind and constant, it crosses the line into
bullying and needs to stop.
Here are some other strategies for children to use:
• Avoid the bully and use the buddy system - use a different toilet block if the bully is
near and don’t go to your locker when nobody is around. Make sure you have
someone with you so you‘re not alone with the bully. Buddy up with a friend on the
bus, in the corridors or at break – wherever the bully is. Offer to do same for a
friend.
• Hold the anger - it’s natural to get upset by the bully, but that’s what bullies thrive
on. It takes a lot of practice, but it’s a useful skill for keeping off a bully’s radar.
Sometimes pupils find it useful to practice ‘cool down’ strategies such as counting to
10, writing down their angry words, taking deep breaths, or walking away.
Sometimes the best thing to do is wear a ‘poker face’ until they are clear (smiling or
laughing may make the situation worse).
• Act brave - walk away and ignore the bully. Firmly and clearly tell the bully to STOP
and then walk away. Practice ways to ignore the bully, like showing them that you
don’t care. Eventually, the bully will probably get bored with trying to bother you.
• Tell an adult – teachers, teaching assistants, parents, MSAs can all help stop bullying.
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Tips that parents can use to help restore their child’s confidence:
Dealing with bullying can erode a child’s confidence. To help restore it, encourage your child
to spend time with friends who have a positive influence. Participation in clubs, sports or
other enjoyable activities builds strength and relationships.
Provide a listening ear about different situations, but encourage your child to also tell you
about the good parts of their day, and listen equally attentively. Make sure they know you
believe in them and that you’ll do what you can to address any bullying that occurs.
4. How to avoid getting detentions:
Detentions absolutely stink. A punishment, dirty looks, sneering and smirking faces... That’s
what a detention has in store for you. That’s why learning how to avoid getting a detention
is an important skill to learn.
Steps:
1. Think before you act. It seems hard to do, but it’s very much worth it. Do so before
you give a punch to that kid who beat you at football, before you cheat off that
smart kid in your class, and before you talk back to your teacher. Think, reflect and
judge, ‘Could this get me into trouble if I do this?’, ‘Could I get a detention?’, ‘Would
my teacher/parents approve of what I'm about to say?’. It will take some practice,
but soon enough, it’ll come naturally.
2. Avoid fights. This is hard for everyone, but it will save you many detentions. Don't
pick on anyone or say anything that could you get you into trouble for. Avoid
physical fighting at all costs.
• If you must stick up for a friend or you can’t just let someone insult you, stick to stuff
like. ‘Push off/go away,’ ‘You can’t talk,’ and ‘Oh, shut it.’ that stuff still sounds cool
and assertive, but it’s just mild enough to keep you out of trouble, rather than
physically attacking people.
3. Get on your teachers’ good side. If you and your teacher loathe each other, you’re
more likely to get a detention. Always obey and respect your teacher. Don't suck up
to your teacher, just make sure you listen in their classes, and aren’t too cheeky and
disruptive.
4. Don't be nasty to anyone else. It might seem like this has nothing to do with
detention, but you’ll find that if your nice to people, they’ll back you up and won’t
DOB you in. So have patience and be nice to everyone. A little something, it could
save you from a deadly detention.
5. Adhere to the school rules. This is a very important step. Reread your school’s rules
and regulations and abstain from vandalising, etc. By being lawful, you don’t have to
worry about receiving a detention.
6. Don't tittle-tattle on someone, attack that person or make him/her upset. If that
person tittle-tattles on you, calmly tell your teacher your side of the story.
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7. Don't take advantage. If another student does/say something that you know is
wrong, or think maybe possibly wrong, you might be in doubt as to whether it is
acceptable. Do not copy his/her behaviour. This applies even if he/she labelled by
school as a rightful person. Sometimes he or she may do bad things but copying him
or her could result in a detention.
Tips:
• Never, ever touch or write a note in class. If found, it’s incredibly embarrassing
because the teacher might read in it front of the whole class.
• Do not get on the teachers’ bad side. Try to become friends with him/her.
• Don't eat in class unless the teacher gives you the food or gives you permission to
eat. It'll get you in trouble.
• Try to be on time or early for class. Set your alarm clock at least half an hour before
school.
• It isn’t the end of the world if you get a detention, especially if you go to a very strict
school.
• Be on your best behaviour and don’t do anything wrong. For example, do not swear!
• Don't bully others just because they were mean to you. Just stand up for yourself
and/ or ask a trusted adult like a parent or teacher.
• If you get blamed for something another student did, speak to your parents about
this. They may be able to help.
• Don't write letters which threatens assault to people in school! Doing so will get you
in major trouble.
5. Being late for school:
Key tasks for pupils:
• Get everything ready the night before.
• Getting up on time.
• Getting washed, dressed and ready to walk out of the door with everything you
need.
• Leaving the house to get to get to the bus stop or school on time.
• Being in the right place at the right time at the end of school.
• Going straight home.
• Knowing what to do if you are delayed for any reason
Tips for parents:
Before your child starts:
• Time the journey to school or bus stop. A map is included on page 18 for planning
the route to school if walking.
• Be sure your child is clear what time they are expected to be home and what to do if
they are held up for any reason.
• Make sure they know/have their contact numbers.
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• Buy an alarm clock and make sure your child knows how it works. Do a test run
before their first day at school.
• Work out with your child what time they will need to get up to get school on time.
Work backwards from the time they need to be at school. Include all the things they
will need to do.
• Agree a routine for the mornings and after school. Will they shower/bath in the
morning or evening? Will they get their bag ready the night before or in the
morning?
• Who will make their packed lunch and when?
• Agree a bedtime for school days with your child that will ensure they get enough
sleep.
• Have a couple of practice runs – set your child the challenge of getting up at the
correct time and getting ready.
• Does anything need changing?
• When they start?
• If possible, be around for your child for the first few days/weeks and ‘supervise’.
Praise and encourage independence but be ready to offer a helping hand.
• Keep your side of the bargain - if you have arranged to leave dinner money out on
top of the fridge – make sure it is there!
• Go through the routine regularly with your child if necessary, provide a tick list to
help them.
• Insist on the routine being kept to – it will save you hours in the long run!
6. Uniform matters:
Key tasks for pupils:
• Know the school rules regarding uniform – including jewellery and makeup.
• Make sure everything is ready to put out the night before (including shoes and
underwear!)
• Make sure a full PE kit is taken to school on the days it is needed.
Tips for parents:
Before your child starts:
• Get your child to practice with their tie during the summer holidays.
• Check the uniform requirements including the rules regarding jewellery and makeup.
• Ring the school to check if you are entitled to financial support for school lunches
etc.
• Name everything, even shoes – you would not believe what children lose! A marker
pen is as good as labels.
• Have spare essentials at home if possible, it prevents any panic when things get
mislaid at 8.30 am (as they do).
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When they start:
• Encourage your child to hang up their uniform straight away after school.
• Decide on responsibilities – who irons the shirts, when/who puts them away?
• If your child is very disorganised check items one by one or give a check list at first.
• Encourage your child to put everything out (including shoes, socks or tights and
underwear) the night before (there’s much more time in the evening for finding out
you have odd socks).
• Have a system for making sure that clean and ready – the earlier children start to
take responsibility the better, but whoever does it, both parties need to know the
system.
• If you have a timetable displayed for your child colour the days when your child has
PE so they can see each day if they need their PE bag.
7. Organising books and equipment:
Tips for parents:
• Help your child to organise their living space at home so that they have a place for
everything to do with school. Try to make sure they have access to a desk, good
lighting and storage space for their school books.
• Equip them with the tools they will need at home (its best to keep two sets of
everything – one for school and one for home so that losing a pen at school does not
stop them doing their homework).
• A useful home tool kit consists of pencils, pens, rubber, sharpener, crayons, felt tip
pens, ruler, maths equipment (protractor, compass, set square and calculator),
Sellotape, glue stick, paper (lined and plain) and plastic wallets.
• A box file or stacking system is useful for pupils with organisational problems each
can be labelled with a subject and all workbooks and worksheets can be kept ready
to pull out and put in their school bag when required.
• A labelled A4 plastic or card folder to take to school for each subject is useful – pupils
are given a lot of worksheets which they are not used to organising. Folders can hold
all worksheets and books etc.
• An additional A4 plastic or card folder for finished homework is useful for children
with poor memories – they can check it each lesson to see if there is homework be
handed in.
When your child starts:
• Teach a routine for ‘emptying the bag’. The subject folders or books are replaced in
the system. Any subjects for which homework is required are placed in the
homework folder ready to be done.
• Do this with your child to begin with if necessary, then gradually let them take over.
Even when your child ‘has got it’ do ‘spot checks’ every so often.
• Encourage your child to glue any work sheet/odd bits of paper into their book if
possible, each night – otherwise the sheer volume of bits of paper becomes
impossible.
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• When homework is completed supervise the packing of the bag. This is best done
the night before.
• The displayed timetable can be used as a checklist for subject folders and
equipment. Write the equipment needed at the top of each day.
• Encourage your child to check their planner for any reminders/notes each night. It's
usually best double checking.
• If you know your child has Food Technology (cooking to you and me) on a certain
day, check at the beginning of the week if the need ingredients – searching through
the cupboards on the morning ten minutes before the bus leaves is not the to be
recommended!
8. Homework:
Key tasks for pupils:
• Writing down your homework timetable – what homework you get on which days.
• Understanding how your planner works – make sure you use the correct week to
record your homework.
• Writing down your homework in lessons (write down exactly what you have to do). If
none is set, write this down too.
• Record when it has to be done for.
• Asking if you are not sure what the task means and checking with your teacher if you
are not sure what book you will need.
• Make sure you bring home everything you need to complete your homework.
• When you get home, use your planner to remind you of what you have to do.
• Work by yourself to complete tasks, spending the correct amount of time, do your
best without someone standing over you.
• Asking for help if it is difficult, or you don’t understand something.
• Handing in your completed homework on the correct day.
• Try to do the homework on the night it is set – not the night before it is due in you
may have another 3 pieces to do. Plus, it will be fresh in your head.
Tips for parents:
Before your child starts:
• Agree a routine for homework with your child. Life can be a constant nag if you don’t
start this from the beginning. Homework becomes increasingly important part of the
curriculum as your child goes through school – what he or she starts off doing is
what they will do until they leave.
• A good time for homework is after a short break when your child returns from
school; get it out of the way early, leaving the rest of the evening free – who wants
to start with work at 7 pm?
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• Many children will say that listening to music helps them concentrate and do their
work. Agree whether this is allowed. Personally, I think that if your attention is on
your favourite song, it can’t also be on your homework (and more so the television!)
But the important thing is to make an agreement and stick to it.
• Be prepared to invest time at first – for example be available for a set time each day
to help with homework until the routine is established – it will be time well spent.
Using the ideas in the organising your books and equipment section will help
enormously. Make sure your child has a comfortable place to work (with as few
distractions as possible); provide a finished homework folder for your child to take to
school.
When your child starts:
• Stick to your agreed routine whenever possible.
• Try to ensure that homework is done on the night it is set to prevent ‘build up’.
• Spend time with your child in the first few weeks, establishing a routine.
• Encourage your child to unpack their bag in an organised way, placing their
homework to be done on their desk. Check their planner with them for what
homework needs to be done, and when it is to be done for. Check they have
everything they need to complete the task (ask them to tell you what they will need
to encourage independence).
• Recognise how hard it is to work unsupervised. Help your child to structure their
time – provide a clock or timer or agree the tasks that should be done in each half
hour period. Try to be available to do a progress check – have they completed the
task in the set time? (but otherwise leave them to it – don't establish a pattern of
always doing homework with them – it’s unstainable and they won’t learn to work
independently).
• Make sure your child always writes the date and title, and clearly labels it as
homework whether in their book or worksheet or on a computer printout.
• Point out the rewards of working in this way – homework doesn’t drag on all night
and it feels good to have completed the task.
• Don't let children struggle for longer than the recommended time.
• If children are stuck – either because they don’t understand the task they have
written down, or because they can’t do it, offer support but don’t do it for them.
• Encourage your child to check in the lesson if they haven’t understood what the task
means - it’s too late by the time they get home.
• Encourage them to write down exactly what the teachers says (not just finish stuff in
book). If you both cannot work out what needs to be done, try contacting a friend in
the same group. Or write a note to the teacher asking for clarification and explaining
the homework will be completed as soon as possible.
• If there is a problem with the level of work, it is important that the teacher knows
this. If the work is consistently too difficult or too easy also let teacher know.
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9. Finding classwork too difficult:
Tips for the child:
• In their planner there maybe coloured cards these are red, yellow/orange and green.
These are to show the teacher how the child feels about the work, so the child
doesn’t draw attention to themselves in front of their peers. See below;
Red - this is shown if they are struggling with the work.
Yellow/orange - this is shown if they need something clarifying.
Green – this is shown to show that they are fine with the work that has been set.
• Tell your teacher if you are finding something hard, don’t sit a struggle.
• Ask a friend if they can help you.
Tips for parents:
• Go through the cards in the planner explaining what they mean.
• If your child is constantly finding classwork too difficult speak to the teacher.
10. Help with tests and exams:
Helping children with their studies is extremely important, especially during exams.
Involvement of parents in studies increases the level of interest if children in their studies.
However, the involvement of parents in their studies should only be to help. Read on to find
tips for helping your child.
If your child is not paying attention to their studies, make sure you take the right steps to
motivate them to study well.
Remember, being aggressive will not work and it is not the right way to improve the studies
for your child as well. There are lots of distractions in a child’s life today. Reading habits are
rarely found in most children. So, here are some tips that will help your child’s studies and
he might start taking interest in their studies.
• Encourage regular and fixed study hours: studying regularly and at a fixed time
helps your child stay disciplined and stay away from the stress of studying for long
hours during exam time. Make sure they complete their homework and stay
prepared for class tests always.
• Home environment: a peaceful home environment is very important, and it helps
your child to study well and concentrate in his/her studies. Plan out a quiet time for
his/her studies and avoid making them to study in the kitchen or the dining room
just so you can keep an eye on them.
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• Do not help your child too much: helping your child is good but if you solve all their
maths problems or find meanings to the words, they will not be able to become
independent. Let them try and explain the concept and method, but do not solve the
maths problems. Let them use a dictionary and find the meanings and let them make
sentences with those words to understand them in a better way.
• Teach him to stay disciplined: make sure there is a fixed time to study and a fixed
time to watch TV as well. You will have to be strict and if there is a favourite
programme they want watch, let them compromise with their games but not their
studies.
• Know the boundaries of your child: you should know the limitations and capabilities
of your child. Everyone has a maximum level up to which they can work or cope with
studies. Make sure you find out and this will help them study well and succeed.
• Never force them to study: though it is good to have a fixed time to study, it is
possible that some days your child may not be in the mood to study. Do not force
them. Just watch that this trend doesn’t become frequent.
• Learning is important: encourage and build in your child the value of learning and
how important it is. Do not feed any negative aspect of learning. Rather, explain how
learning will help them in life and for years to come.
Follow these tips and you will find positive changes in your child’s attitude. Let them feel
that studying is their job and you should take genuine interest in their work. Keep in mind
that it is the focus and the approach that matters in the end. If your child is unable to get
grades of your choice, do not react. Try to motivate them by making them realise their
potential.
11. Having property and money stolen:
All children moving up to secondary school worry about this happening, but this very rarely
happens. If it does happen follow these:
• Name all equipment and uniform.
• Remind your child to never leave their bag and belongings unattended.
• Mobile phones tell them to keep these in the inside pockets of their blazer.
• If they do have anything taken a teacher must be told as soon as they know its
missing.
• Find out if the item is insured.
• If the item is valuable ring the Police as soon as you as you can, insurance company
will need a crime number.
Most schools nowadays have a machine where they use thumb print ID, which goes directly
onto the child’s parent pay account so they can add money onto it as soon as they get to
school. This is so that money is not in the school so should stop anyone trying to take money
from a child. If someone does get your child’s money tell them to report it straight away to a
teacher.
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12. Changing for PE:
• Try to sit down when changing as this provides you with a more stable base.
• Keep to the same routine (order of clothes) for changing each time.
• If your shoelaces become loose, at the first knot, loop the lace around twice. Pull it
tight and then let it go without it becoming loose.
• When buttoning a shirt, start at the bottom edge so that you get the correct button
in the correct hole.
• To save time, keep some buttons done up, so you put on and take off the shirt
without undoing them all.
• Make sure you have all the kit with you that you need.
13. Lunchtimes – coping in the canteen:
Some children may find it harder to understand instructions, such as break and lunch times,
especially in secondary school where they may have to make decisions about who to talk to,
what food to choose etc.
If the child is anxious you may want to talk to them about this time and strategies.
Queuing for meals in a canteen – watch the person in front and see what they are doing i.e.
taking a tray, pouring a drink, ordering the food.
Deciding what to eat and drink – see if you can get a set of menus from the school and talk
through the choices and costs with the child so they are prepared.
Give some child some change or the correct money if it is cash till.
Where to sit - sitting next to the wrong person may cause all sorts of problems. Discuss with
them about sitting near someone they know and getting in a conversation with them. If they
say to you ‘this seat is taken’ say ‘sorry’ and move to another one.
Check out what happens at the end of dinner time, whether plates are put on a rack or left
on the table.
14. Take attendance seriously:
Sick children should stay home from school if they have a fever, are nauseated, vomiting, or
have diarrhoea. Children who lose their appetite, are clingy or lethargic, complain of pain, or
who just don’t seem themselves should also take a sick day.
Otherwise, it’s important that children arrive at school on time every day, because having to
catch with class work and homework can be stressful and interfere with learning.
If your child is missing a lot of school due to illness, make sur to check with the teacher
about any work that needs to be completed. It’s a good idea to know the school’s
attendance policy.
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Sometimes students want to stay home from school because of problems with classmates,
assignments or grades, or even teachers. This can result in real symptoms, like headaches or
stomach aches. If you think there’s a problem at school, talk with your child – and then
perhaps meet with the teacher – to find out more about what’s causing the anxiety.
Also try to avoid late bedtimes, which can result in mardy and tired students. A consistent
sleep schedule can help.
15. Preparing for the first day:
• If you have to wear a tie at secondary school, practice during the summer holidays so
that when it comes to the first day, you can tie it and you aren’t getting stressed
before you set off.
• Get your equipment together. Get a list of required school equipment from the
school or the school’s website. Go shopping for your equipment and make sure they
are all ready to take to school.
• Get a good night’s sleep. Start off your first day with a good night’s sleep. being well
rested will help fend off any nervousness you may be feeling. Try to get at least 8 to
9 hours sleep if you are over 12, or 10 to 11 hours of sleep if you are between 7 and
11 years old.
• Eat a good breakfast. You might be too nervous to eat much, but it’s important that
you give your body some fuel to get through until lunchtime. Eat something with
protein, such as peanut butter, toast or eggs.
• Get your uniform ready. Lay out your uniform for the first day of school the night
before. Then you won’t be rushing around for a clean pair of pants or your other
shoe in the morning. It will help you start your day off calmly. Make sure your
uniform fits well. Wearing well-fitting clothes will help you feel better about starting
a new school.
• Leave early for school. Make sure you leave lots of time in the morning to get to
school. You don’t want to be rushing into your classroom after the bell rings. Arriving
early may give you a chance to chat a few other students and hopefully make new
friends.
• Talk with parents about your concerns. Your parents may have gone through
transitions and have attended new schools. Ask them about how they felt making
new friends.
Some questions that have been asked by year 6 students:
❖ How many friends can choose to be in your form/tutor group?
Two. You will be asked to choose them on your first day.
❖ I don’t want to be in the lower group!
Your SATS will be used to decide what group you are in. Just try your best and
don’t worry.
My biggest tip of all is ENJOY YOURSELF! 16
Website information
These websites can give you more information:
www.kidshealth
theguardian.com
www.wikihow.com
www.gettherightschool.co.uk
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