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Secondary education

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Equipment - what do I need?

13 replies

Vagaceratops · 27/07/2012 07:00

DS1 starts secondary in September.

We have been given an extensive kit list, but no equipment list.

So, from experience, what things do you think he will need - stationary wise?

OP posts:
hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 27/07/2012 07:06

Every conceivable thing you can think of in duplicate as he'll lose most of it if it's not nailed down if he's anything like my DS was.

Mine needed a range of drawing pencils (HB, B, H, and others I can't remember) plus an HB pencil that was not for art
Ink pens (no ball points allowed at their school)
Spare ink cartridges
Colouring pencils
Geometry set
Scientific calculator
Rubber
Pencil sharpener
Case to hold it all in

gazzalw · 27/07/2012 07:55

Although quite happy to buy all the above under our own steam, DS's school asked for cheques and will provide the calculator (so the boys all have the same one), the geometry set, art pencils, sketch pad etc....

DW had quite a job to find a boy-suitable pencil case - loads for girls and very, very few of any size for boys at all - ended up in Paperchase spending more than she would naturally have done!

We've also had to buy English and German dictionaries - we will have spent well over £350 all in on uniform and extras (including £20 for his locker) before he's even started!

sassytheFIRST · 27/07/2012 08:06

State? If so, a pack of blue/black biros, perhaps a handwriting pen or similar, a pack of hb pencils. These to be kept at home to replenish when required. Rubber, ruler, sharpener. Scientific calculator for maths and one of those geometry sets in a tin if you want to go the whole hog.

You'll be lucky if he takes a chewed pen in his blazer pocket by yr 10.

imnotmymum · 27/07/2012 08:10

All the above and a flexible ruler the other ones snap so easily in bags.

trinity0097 · 27/07/2012 08:27

I would make sure they have a good 15cm ruler that fits in the pencil case, the flexible ones are rubbish after a while and don't do straight lines and don't measure accurately.

I would get some frixion pens as they can be rubbed out and written over for when they make a mistake!

imnotmymum · 27/07/2012 08:35

Ours do straight lines !But for geometry they do have a 15cm one that comes in the little tin.

senua · 27/07/2012 08:39

Lots of crayons for when homework is 'colouring in' Hmm

Pencil cases shouldn't be too much of a problem these days. If you want logo'd ones then they are probably girl-themed but there are a lot of clear plastic (aka exam regulation) ones on the market.

nagynolonger · 27/07/2012 09:07

I always brought propelling pencils for mine. Usually the cheap plastic ones with the rubber on the end. Saved them constantly sharpening them.

Mine started off with ink pens but switched to black biros. I always buy the ones which don't unscrew because one DS can't stop himself dismantleing them and he just ends up with bits of pen in the bottom of his bag.

They may need a proper set of pencils for art. I got those when needed.

A few couloured pencils and fine liners are useful. Mine only took them for certain lessons.

They will need a protractor and compass. It's worth buying a better quality compass and taking it when necessary because the ones in the tins are usless. I wouldn't bother with the rest of the geometry set.

Mine took a shatter proof ruler. The flexi ones look like a good idea but they are not great and the DS that unscrews pens also plays around with flexi rulers.

Rubbers. Mine also took those 'mouse' eraser things that they are not allowed to useBlush but they didn't take tipex.

Mine also kept a pen, propelling pencil and 6 inch ruler in their blazer pocket. Most of the time that would get them through the day if they got separated from their bag for any reason.

Mine all bought the calculators supplied by school to start with. It is easier to start with if all the class have the same make.

When they first started secondary they always took everything in a pencil case but later they carried stuff in their blazer pocket or in various pockets in their school bags.

nagynolonger · 27/07/2012 09:12

A pocket dictionary is useful. Also one for any languages they are doing. I bought the ones supplied by MFL at school.

Vagaceratops · 27/07/2012 09:36

Thanks very much.

For all of you have purchased the things from school, did they advise you about it once the child started, or before.

I have this horrid fear that he will turn up on his first day totally unprepared.

OP posts:
nagynolonger · 27/07/2012 10:11

If it's not on a kit list I would assume a calculator/french dictionary will not be needed in the first few days.

Ours were all told when they needed a scientific calculator and the school have a shop which sells all the basis stuff.

OhYouGreatGreatBritain · 27/07/2012 10:16

reams of sticky back plastic and a full ink cartridge for the printer are handy in the first couple of weeks.

gazzalw · 27/07/2012 10:20

Ours sent out a list from the different Depts (maths and art) with the induction pack.

I know that the maths Dept wanted the boys to all have the same calculator - it probably makes it easier to explain functions etc...if they are all using the same one, so hold off on buying that type of stuff until you are given further instructions

I am sure that the admin staff aren't on hols the whole of the summer holiday period (what with all the exam results coming out shortly) so why not phone/email the Registrar?

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