TOP  TIPS TO MAKE THE CHANGE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL PAIN FREE

See this as a chance to make new  friends.

• It is very tempting to stick to your friends from primary school like glue but you will regret it if you do not try to widen your circle. There will be people who share your interests and schools try to spread the intake from one school around to encourage you to get to know new people.

The following tips will help

SMILE even if you do not feel like it

• Make eye contact even though you feel shy. Avoiding eye contact makes you look shifty and unapproachable.
• Ask open questions such as "What was your old school like?" rather than "What school did you go to?"
• "What do you like about ....?" rather than "What is your favourite subject?"
• Offer help if others are lost or confused .
• Ask for help if you are lost or confused - everyone knows what that feels like and they will be only to happy to help.
• Thank people including teachers - they really like it !!
• Invite people to sit with you at lunch - they were probably thinking of asking you but are too shy.
• Go along to find out about clubs - the drama club is usually great fun! Find out about more clubs than you will join.
• Try to find someone who goes on your bus home to sit with - you will not feel so awkward.
• Compliment people who have done good work or are good at sport."I like your drawing/ ideas,etc"
• Walk tall and look up, not on the floor.
• Try to use open gestures instead of folding your arms across your chest.
• Listen to people . Nod to show you agree and listen to your teachers.
• Ask questions .
• Share impressions of the school with new people " Oh dear, he was quite strict don't you think?"
• Remember names - think of things which will help like physical characteristics such as tall Dan or blonde Aimee.

How to make a good impression

• Be on time to your lessons ! Very important as no teacher likes being interrupted as latecomers barge in. If you are late- apologise and quickly and quietly sit down.
• Do not set out all your pens and pencils at the beginning of a lesson,clattering your rulers against the desk !
• Do not keep putting your hand up while the teacher is talking to ask questions such as "Do we rule off?" (pet hate of teachers).
• Make sure you have the right books ! (Colour code the spines if you get confused) and pack your bag at night with your timetable to hand.
• Do your homework ! ( more on this )
• Try to sit up and smile and look at the teacher not the ceiling or outside the window.
• Try to answer a question but not all of them.
• Thank your teachers !

• Sleep - not at school but at home. Early nights are essential and it is important to relax before you can sleep so no computer games which just get your adrenalin pumping and stop you from being able to switch off.
• Relaxation exercises help clear your mind and help you concentrate better. A simple technique of deep breathing for the count of 3 and holding your breath for the count of 3 and then breathing out to the count of 3 can work wonders for slowing down . Add to this by imagining floating on a pool of warm water and relaxing each muscle group in turn. Some calm music will help you drift off into a mini meditation. 10 minutes can really refresh your mind and help you concentrate on your homework. A clear mind is much more effective.
• Speak to friends about your homework and maybe use some of your lunch hour to get ahead. School libraries are wonderful for this with internet access and the relevant books.
• Ask Mum and Dad - they will be happy to be involved but get the timing right ! Do not ask in the middle of their favourite programme. It is better to ask "When can you help me with ...?"
• Do not worry !! Homework is often a way of the teachers fnding out what you have understood from their teaching and if you do not understand they will be happy to explain as long as you have attempted the work.
• Do not do your homework on the bus !