Starting secondary school is an exciting time – it’s the beginning of a great big new adventure. Don’t be worried if you’re a bit nervous – that’s perfectly normal. Look forward to it; dream big, work hard, find your passion, make new friends and have fun.
This section of the site lists a few things to think about as you embark on this new journey. Getting older means taking more responsibility – we’ve put together some tips for managing this change.
Life begins to get busier as you move into your teenage years, and there will be changes and new influences. It can sometimes be difficult to be our true selves, and people may feel they need to act in certain ways just to fit in, or to impress others.
Remember: you are one of a kind! We all are.
We are all shaped by different events, beliefs, values, interests and needs. Do your best to discover yourself and to be yourself. As Oscar Wilde famously put it:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Now that you’re starting in secondary school you’ll have more opportunities, and more responsibility. You’ll be given more choices in your personal life, activities and subject choices. You can take more ownership of your life and your future, and begin to think about what you want for yourself.
Some areas to consider:
Set some goals
Think about what you want to achieve and set some steps or milestones. Keep things realistic, but challenge yourself too. Come up with some short-term and long-term goals.
Motivation
Motivation is important in study and in other areas of life. Be willing to try new things, be persistent and work hard. It’ll pay off.
Own your decisions
Think about planning ahead. Informed decision-making and good judgement are both important. Think things through carefully – sometimes it helps to make a list of pros and cons.
Academic skills
You can develop good study skills in order to achieve your academic goals. Go to study courses, and keep a sense of curiosity. Develop good study habits and appreciate the value of learning.
Fitness and health
You can take charge here too. Place importance on exercising and self-care. Sleep properly, eat well, avoid substance abuse and overuse of screens. Check out our Staying Healthy tips.
Integrity and awareness
Standing up for what’s right, having empathy and supporting others are great qualities to aspire to. Think about the qualities you want for yourself. Remember: you have control over your future. You can influence who you want to become, the type of person you want to be.
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When you start secondary school you might have friends going to the same school. Sometimes though, people will be leaving friends from primary school behind. In some cases, you may even be attending a school where you don’t know anybody.
Whatever happens, it’s unlikely you’ll be put in a class with all your buddies, even if you are all going to the same school. This means you’ll be making new friends and your circle will be getting bigger. It’s exciting meeting new people, but a bit daunting too.
Good friends will make secondary school life much easier. Try to develop a circle of close and supportive friends, and give everyone a chance.
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Everybody deserves respect, including you. So always treat others the way you want to be treated. Stop and think about the feelings of other people and how your own feelings are affected if someone is mean or cruel to you.
If you feel like you’re being bullied, make sure you talk to someone you trust. Speak to your friends, your parents, your carer or your teacher. Talk to a good adult that you trust – they will be able to offer advice, support or help with the problem directly.
If someone tries to bully you, don’t suffer in silence.
Nowadays, with mobile phones and social media, bullying can happen at any time, even when you’re not in school. That’s why it’s really important that you tell someone so that together you can do something about it.
School’s Out… What’s next?
Yes!!! No more classes or early morning trips to school. Finding things to do to fill the whole summer break can be tough though. Here are some suggestions:
- Make a list of the things you want to do.
- Laugh and smile, have fun!
- Stay active – get outside into the fresh air, have a kick-about, explore further.
- Make a playlist of all your favourite songs.
- Go for a walk or run, or take out the bike.
- Join a club or a new group or activity.
- Plan a trip or outing with friends.
- Eat regularly and eat well (don’t forget the wonders that a little chocolate can do!).
- Sleep! Get lots of sleep and rest – don’t get in the habit of staying up all night.
- If you are worried about anything, write it down to give yourself some headspace.
- Spending time by yourself is perfectly healthy, but make sure to stay in touch with friends.
- Talk and stay connected. If you need help, reach out to those around you.
- Really make the time and effort to do the things you enjoy.
- Don’t spend your summer on a screen!
