Starting high school: What to expect
Starting high school means big changes for your child. These changes can be both exciting and stressful as they get used to a new environment with different routines and expectations.
Here are some of the changes your child may experience and how you can help:
Here are some of the changes your child may experience and how you can help:
New environment
High school is bigger than primary school, with more facilities, classrooms and students.
How to help: Visit the school with your child if you can. They can also keep a small map of the school in their bag until they remember where to go.
How to help: Visit the school with your child if you can. They can also keep a small map of the school in their bag until they remember where to go.
More teachers and subjects
Your child will have different teachers for each subject like English, Maths, Science, and History. They will move between classes and have a timetable, showing them where to go and when.
How to help: Help your child read their timetable and pack their bag. Make sure they know which books and things they need each day.
How to help: Help your child read their timetable and pack their bag. Make sure they know which books and things they need each day.
Increased independence
In high school, students are expected to be more independent. Your child will be more responsible for their learning, homework, and study time.
How to help: Talk about the importance of being responsible. Praise your child when they manage things on their own.
How to help: Talk about the importance of being responsible. Praise your child when they manage things on their own.
New friendships
Your child will meet new people from other primary schools and make new friends.
How to help: Talk to your child about their day. Encourage them to join clubs or teams to make friends.
How to help: Talk to your child about their day. Encourage them to join clubs or teams to make friends.
More homework
There is usually more homework and assignments in high school. Your child will need to manage their time and stay organised.
How to help: Create a quiet space at home for homework. Help them make an afternoon routine for study.
How to help: Create a quiet space at home for homework. Help them make an afternoon routine for study.
Changing feelings
Starting high school can bring big feelings like excitement, worry or stress. This is normal.
How to help: Listen to your child and let them talk. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help from you, teachers, or the school counsellor.
How to help: Listen to your child and let them talk. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help from you, teachers, or the school counsellor.
Remember: every child is different
Some kids love high school right away. Others take time to feel happy and safe. With time and support, your child will adjust and do well in their new high school.
We are here for you!
Your Family Partnership Coordinator is here to support you through each stage of your child's educational journey.
They can support you to problem-solve any challenges that may come up that affect your child's education.
They can also connect you to educational support programs or services in the community if you decide that's what you need.
You can find your Family Partnership Coordinator's contact details in My Smith Family.
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