Back to school isn’t easy for anyone. It often brings a sense of dread, knowing that the summer has come to an end and the new school year is about to start. This applies to teachers, too! It’s like having the Sunday night feeling but a lot worse. So, if you are feeling anxious about the start of a new school year, don’t fret – you are certainly not alone. Still, the jump from Primary to secondary level education can inspire a lot more trepidation.
For those leaving their primary education behind, it is likely to be more daunting. Up until the end of Year 6, there is an element of comfort: generally, if you have been in school, you will have had one main teacher, for example. If you have been home-schooled, you might have been used to studying at a different pace. One thing you might be pleased about is saying goodbye to the Year 6 SATs!
Starting secondary-level work in Year 7 can be a worry for some. It is likely to mean moving on to the next stage of your life with subject content that is different and often more challenging. Of course, this is very exciting, although it might not always feel like that.
Studying a secondary-level course as a home-schooled pupil might mean you will have a very different sort of timetable – perhaps you will have 5 or 6 different subjects, and teachers to communicate with, regularly. You might even be learning things you have never thought about before, depending on your own situation. For example, in English, you might be working on a module about Shakespeare, or studying a novel you have never heard of. Whatever your personal circumstances, you are likely to rise to the challenge and move forward on your journey successfully.
Of course, for some of you, you might be extending the next stage of your home-school journey. Perhaps you are enrolling in different Year 7 courses, and having contact with different teachers. The content of what you are learning will be more challenging and this can be hard, particularly at the beginning when everything is very new. But give it time and things you will soon settle in with the changes. Remember: you are not alone. Your teachers will help you to settle in and will be available if you have any queries or questions.
So, if you are about to embark on the move from Year 6 to Year 7, enjoy it. I won’t say ‘good luck’ because it isn’t about luck – it’s more about embracing a new situation and enjoying the next stage of your learning experience.