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Secondary education

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Original poster

What kind of academic support is useful in 18 months leading up to secondary school?

32 replies

TheBrightHazelDog · 27/02/2025 12:42

My DC is in yr 5 and I've started wondering about ways I could support them academically leading up to secondary school. Would love to hear of things you did that you feel helped, or what teachers feel is helpful.

I'm asking this because when DC was in reception / yr1 during lockdown, they were given lots of work from school and in hindsight I think the main thing worth spending time on would have been reading as it allows you to access the curriculum with ease. I'm wondering if there is something that is similarly obvious in hindsight that it's worth securing before secondary?

DC generally does well academically (aside from spelling, which nothing seems to help with, despite being an avid reader) and has never needed tutoring, this would just be me giving a little targeted support to help confidence when starting. BTW, the school is a high-achieving comp.

Thank you!

OP posts:
minipie · 27/02/2025 12:51

I found that the first few weeks were dreadful organisation wise as there seemed to be a new message from school or lost item or tech issue (mine uses a laptop) most days! But then things calmed down. If you can, prepare to be around a bit after school in the first few weeks to help deal with these issues.

It’s hard to prepare for in advance tbh other than reading any practical info the school sends (about lost property etc) and get your child to read it too.

RedSkyDelights · 27/02/2025 12:51

TheBrightHazelDog · 27/02/2025 12:47

@minipie Thanks, organisation is definitely going to be a struggle - both DC and I struggle with that. Interesting that is the real step up, above standard of work expected.

The key thing is that it shouldn't be a real step up! It should be baby steps all the way through primary school, not doing everything for them until Year 6, and then expecting them to cope with a school transition, learning new routines, meeting new people and having to learn a whole bunch of extra skills that they never needed before.

Original poster
TheBrightHazelDog · 27/02/2025 12:50

@mintgreensoftlilac OK, ha, this is definitely going to be tricky for us. Independence should be fine, school v close and DC already walking to primary, but time management and organisation so hard for both of us. I'm not sure how to build up those muscles quite. Hmm maybe I asked the wrong question...

OP posts:
RedSkyDelights · 27/02/2025 12:49

Totally agree with PPs - focus on organisation and independence. If he will be travelling to school on his own, getting him used to travelling on his own. If he's not already doing so get him used to things like making his own breakfast and lunch and packing his own bag. Does he remember he has to hand in his homework on Tuesday or are you reminding him?

Teach him problem solving techniques - what would he do if he got lost? If he needed help?

Original poster
TheBrightHazelDog · 27/02/2025 12:47

@minipie Thanks, organisation is definitely going to be a struggle - both DC and I struggle with that. Interesting that is the real step up, above standard of work expected.

OP posts:
mintgreensoftlilac · 27/02/2025 12:46

Generally the work in secondary school, particularly in Year 7, is actually less demanding than the Year 6 curriculum. The main thing to focus on, I would say, is developing organisational skills as they'll be expected to be much more independent in having the right equipment on the right days, managing homework etc. With these skills in place, everything else they need will be taught in school.

minipie · 27/02/2025 12:44

I would say that focusing on self organisation, independence and not losing stuff is going to be more important if your child is already doing fine academically

This is what we’ve found the real step up