Moving On - From Sparsholt to Year 7
After a year of being the eldest at Sparsholt, perhaps you are now feeling slightly anxious and worried about being the youngest again - the new starter - not sure about whether you'll fit in.
Or perhaps you feel you have outgrown Sparsholt Primary School and are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities Year 7 at secondary school will bring.
Your first day:
You may have already got to know the layout of your new school by now - perhaps you have visited the school with a club or sports team, or had the opportunity to spend a few days at the school before the new year starts to familiarise yourself. Just remember most new pupils will have experienced some anxiety when trying to find their way to new lessons, in an unfamiliar and much larger building than they are used to.
The good news is that for most pupils, this is just a short, passing phase and they quickly get to know their way around their new schools. You probably will be given a map of the school on your first day:
- Use the map, try to mark your form room on it and that will provide a base to move around from.
- Try to move around in groups of a minimum of two/three, it's less scary to be lost if you are with others.
- Follow your form/classmates to lessons.
- Don't be afraid to ask teachers/older pupils in corridors, for directions.
- Don't worry if you are a little late for lessons, most teachers expect this in the first couple of weeks.
Lockers
One of the biggest differences between Sparsholt Primary and your secondary school, is that you are no longer based in a single classroom all day. You will be moving around the school, usually to a different classroom for each lesson. Therefore, pupils tend to use lockers to store their books/kit/equipment between lessons.
You will be shown where the lockers are during your first day/week and will have the opportunity to 'rent' one for use throughout your time at the school. The main benefit of a locker is that you don't have to carry a completely full bag around with you all day as you can use it to store your books and equipment and pick up what you need between lessons. Just remember not to leave valuables in your locker.
Friends
Many new pupils believe that making new friends at secondary school is going to be very hard, but you will probably find you make new friends in the first few weeks in year 7. Pupils who join without their close friends from Sparsholt, will make new friends and those who join with their old friends, will extend their circle to include new friends. Remember:
- Be yourself!
- Your new school is much bigger than Sparsholt Primary School, so there are lots more people to make friends with
- Join school lunchtime and after school clubs. These are a good way to meet new people, improve your skill (in a range of things like art, sport, drama, music, dance) and have fun
- Make friends with pupils in your form first
- Try to make friends with pupils from other classes when you attend mixed class lessons
- Keep an eye out for classmates who share your route to school, or live close to you and strike up conversation on the journey to/from school
- If you are shy, try to force yourself to ask questions/seek advice from classmates to start the conversation.
- Always be polite and respectful to other pupils, if you want to make friends
Bullying
Your new school should have an anti-bullying policy and procedures in place to deal with such issues. You will probably find a copy of their policy on the school's website. The most important thing to remember, if you do have any problems in school, is to talk to someone who may be able to help as soon as possible. Your form teacher, parents/carers are a good place to start. You may like to visit bullying.co.uk - a website which has helpful tips on tackling bullying and results on a bullying survey of secondary school pupils.