Raring2go! Esher & Weybridge

21 Raring2go! Top 10 tips… Preparing for the leap to Secondary School It’s one of the emotional times in a parent’s life when their child reaches the time to leave Primary school, and go up ‘Big School’. Along with the sadness and tears, there’s lots to be done to prepare for the next stage in their life. Here’s our Raring2go! Guide to help you make the transition as smooth as possible… • Lots of schools organise induction days or social events before term starts. Be sure to go along and take notes on what is required. For example, class equipment, uniform, sports wear, school policies etc. • When buying their blazer for the first time, don’t buy it too big, they will need to use their hands freely during the day. • Put in plenty of practice at tying their tie . They’ll need to be able to do it at speed and under pressure (e.g. after PE). • If they are unsure or worried about the uniform (skirt v trousers, for example), take a trip to the school before the summer holidays and check out what everyone else is wearing. • Buy a very big, very strong bag . They will have loads to carry including their PE kit. • Find out the school’s policy on mobile phones , and when they can use them. • Work out their route to school , whether they are walking or taking public transport, and plan for unexpected issues on the route. Get them to practice a few times until they are confident. • Be organised . Suggest that they keep a student diary or planner to write down homework - when there is so much going on, it’s easy to forget. • Remind them to go through their timetable and pack their bag the night before – there’s never time in the morning to find books. The main thing is relax and try to enjoy it – in no time at all, it’ll seem like they’ve been there forever.