Some of the challenges faced by students entering secondary school include:

• New school environment
• New friends
• New syllabus
• New phase of life

Your child has spent the last 6 years getting used to their primary school, and now they’ll be going to a new school. Moreover, many of your child’s primary school friends may be posted to different secondary schools.

Meeting new people can be difficult, but it’s also an opportunity for them to form new, long-lasting friendships.

Your child will also be learning new subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, geography and history. There will also be more subject choices, especially in upper secondary.

In this phase of school, your child will enter their teenage years and go through physical, emotional and mental changes. They will also begin to explore the different pathways available for them to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

It’s important that you pick a school where your child’s development and interests will be supported. Generally, secondary school students do best when they:

• Feel a sense of belonging, with their friends and at the school.
• Feel a sense of purpose and progress.
• Get the opportunity to contribute to the school, for example through their Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs).
• Find their interests and learn new things.
• Have teachers who care about them and can cater to their specific educational needs.
• Are able to enjoy the process of learning at an appropriate level for them.

When discussing these challenges with your child, encourage them to:

• Choose subjects and electives that interest them.
• Look beyond academics and pursue activities that excite them.
• Make new friends and involve themselves in sports, games, clubs and other CCAs. They get the opportunity to find their interests and learn new things.
• Let you know if they are having difficulties in school.”