Y7 DD struggling

[thirdistheonewiththehairychest]

Dd has come home from her first day back after the Xmas break and admitted to me at bedtime that she thinks "XXX is not the school for me" as she feels very pressurised there.

For context, it's a private school; she has a scholarship and bursary to go there. The local state school is shockingly bad (i.e. was recently rated inadequate in all areas).

DD is very bright and is absolutely smashing it, glowing report etc, but she says she's unhappy. Despite being a private school it is the least pressured in terms of academics but DD is struggling with the amount of PE (every day) as it's her worst subject and I think she is petrified of the teacher. And she has very high standards for herself. I think having sailed through primary school, she's just not used to having to work hard.

Are these just normal Y7 wobbles? How can I help her to understand that it IS the best school for her in the absence of any better options? And any tips to help her deal with the perceived pressure?

Sorry for the ramble but this seems to have come out of nowhere and I don't know how to respond to it!

She does PE everyday

PE is a huge change from state primary to private secondary. I would ask for a chat with her form tutor, explain that she’s really struggling with it and see what they suggest. They’re not going to say she doesn’t have to do it, but perhaps a word with the PE teacher to be a bit more encouraging, or just reminding her that it will be different sports after half term, might help.

If it doesn’t, I would be tempted to take it to the Head of Year, as an issue that’s affecting her confidence and enjoyment of school. Don’t make it about her disliking the PE as lots of private schools (and parents) have a strong culture of ‘all PE is good’, and you might get their backs up. More about her confidence and whether the PE is appropriate for her level of ability and experience. IMO, the best PE set-up is set by ability and with lots of options to do different things (not just team sports) after the first year or two. That way, there’s something available that isn’t competitive and shaming, but is exercise.