The Year 7 Survival Guide for Parents
The transition from primary school to year 7 represents a major milestone in young lives. It’s the first step from childhood into adolescence. This is an exciting time, but it can also be unsettling for students, which is why parents need the knowledge and skills to manage this time smoothly.
The Victorian government’s Attitudes to School survey demonstrate why it’s vital to set a solid foundation in the first year of high school. The survey found that year 7 students feel less connected, their absence rates increase, and their academic outcomes decline.
To ensure this is a positive, productive time for your family, we’ve come up with a survival guide for parents.
Most schools begin the transition process in year 6. You and your child should have attended an orientation session and been given a tour of the school during the previous year.
Moving from a single classroom and teacher to multiple teachers and classroom changes throughout the day is very daunting. If your student has trouble finding their classrooms in the first week, contact the school and ask if they can get another tour outside school hours. Teachers will be happy to show them around.
To familiarise yourself with school rules and policies, visit the school’s website and social media pages. These sites have all the information you’ll need to stay on top of what’s happening at the school. When you take an interest in school events, your child will feel more engaged.
It’s a good idea to introduce yourself to the principal and your child’s teachers in the first weeks back. Having connections at the school will help to make this transition easier.
Don’t forget parents need emotional support too, and the best people to give you this are those who are going through the same experiences. Making the effort to connect and talk regularly with other parents who have students in year 7 can really help.
In addition to dealing with multiple teachers and classroom changes, students must learn to cope with new subjects, teaching methods and assessment styles. Their homework load will increase, and they’ll be expected to take more responsibility for their learning.
A tutor can help make the transition to high school much easier by providing additional support during this stressful period. Students who work with a tutor feel more confident and engaged with their schoolwork.
As students move into high school, they will begin to experience major hormonal changes. This can lead to some intense emotions and meltdowns. Many kids will start testing boundaries and asserting their independence around this time. They will also become more concerned with their peer group.
For parents these changes can feel like rejection. It’s important to remember this is a normal part of growing up. It can be tricky to find the balance between giving your student space and privacy to grow while ensuring they follow the rules and maintain respect. With time you’ll work it out, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Follow these tips for a smooth transition to high school.