Y7 transition and music practice

[cingolimama]

Hi all,
Needing some reassurance from music mums who've been there. There is a HUGE transition from primary to secondary. It's so much more demanding, in terms of expectations at school and homework and DD also has a commute of 45 minutes. She's pretty shattered (but very happy with her new school) at the end of the day. I'm encouraging her to keep up a daily practice, but it's a slog now (when at primary she could do most of it before school). DD's main instrument is violin, but she started piano this year too. DD has two major exams this year (Theory Grade 5 and Violin Grade 7), so she can't really take a break.

Does it get easier? Do kids get used to a different pace? Any strategies people found useful, or any tips gratefully received.

[raspberryrippleicecream]

It does get easier as they get used to all the new changes.

Keep an eye on the home work, we found there was a lot of covering exercise books and making posters in Y7. Still needs doing but my DD would spend far too long getting 'perfect'.

[cingolimama]

Thanks raspberry.

[BertrandRussell]

I'd postpone the exams to next year. Both of mine did this. Year 7 is stressful enough!

[Icouldbeknitting]

The homework may tail off, I found the first month or so was unusual in terms of discipline and homework as staff were trying to highlight that the boundaries had moved from primary. To be honest I don't remember it being too bad, DS would get in just before 4 and although I can't remember what time bedtime was in Y7 it couldn't have been that early. I suppose it depends what other activities you are trying to pack into the next four hours, most evenings all we needed to achieve was a meal, homework, practice and fun. He did only have the one instrument though.

My issue was trying to stop the fun eating all of the time available.

[Ferguson]

I would advise keeping music practice and study to a minimum during Year 7, for the first term or two at least.

Exams can wait, and school should get priority.

[cingolimama]

For those advising postponing the exams - doesn't it get harder in secondary after Y7? Isn't it a good idea to get exams over with before GCSE years?

Icould - I like very much the idea of "meal, homework, practise, and fun". It sounds very do-able that way.

[Drivingmadness]

Dc1 struggled first term and gave up few activities was really tired, but easier for dc2, maybe because we knew better what to expect . Don't think older years are that much more busy though. Dc2 still managing music exams.

[raspberryrippleicecream]

My older DC did Grade 8 exams in March this year, and then did themselves proud in GCSE and Alevels respectively. Obviously depends on DC.

First term does seem hardest in adjusting to new routines.

I also disagree that school always takes priority, mostly it does, but occasionally there is a school/life balance to be negotiated.

[JakeBallardswife]

Why the rush, dinner, practice, homework fun sounds a bit full on. Are there any sports & social activities too? I'd keep up the lessons but reduce the exam pressure. DS now year 8 And grade 6. End of year 6 he was grade 4 took 5 end of year 7.

[raspberryrippleicecream]

Just read your OP again and wanted to say you should do exams whenever. DS2 did Grade 5 theory and Grade 4 clarinet in the March sessions, and Grade 6 piano in the summer and did well in all.

It really does settle down

[drummersmum]

cingolimama
Year10 has been a real change, expectations, homework, everything has gone up - ironically he has less subjects but the pressure and depth...
So in my opinion it is better to do exams before GCSEs although I know raspeberrys kids coped just amazingly. Y7 is a bit of a shock. Let the first term pass, don't pressure re music practice, but do try to get a rythm going after Christmas because that's what it takes. It's just full on. Exams can wait till Y8 if needed. My DS schedule is similar but in this order: homework, music, meal, more homework, bed. So you may have noticed that the one thing missing is fun. Although music does count as part fun. Otherwise he would've stopped.