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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Is there a Y7 2024-25 support thread?

323 replies

Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 08:40

I’ve been following the 2023-24 one as DD starts secondary school this year so was interested to read about the experiences of pupils who started last September. I’m ancient and things have changed so much since I was at Secondary school. I’m already struggling to keep up with the e-mails and flood of information from her new school and the new term hasn’t even started yet!

Next week she is attending a week long summer school / transition week which I thought was a really good idea to help her get settled ahead of September but she is complaining she doesn’t want to go and it’s unfair she has to spend part of her summer holiday in school (which is fair enough). She has already spent a day at the school and came home overwhelmed saying the buildings are too big, she felt lost and lunch was rushed. On the other hand she really enjoyed the taster lessons and as she likes structure she was excited about having a timetable of different classes.

I’m sensing the months ahead might be a bit tricky and DD is my oldest so the first to attend Secondary and I’m really not sure what to expect!

OP posts:
iamamos · 27/07/2024 08:43

Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 08:40

I’ve been following the 2023-24 one as DD starts secondary school this year so was interested to read about the experiences of pupils who started last September. I’m ancient and things have changed so much since I was at Secondary school. I’m already struggling to keep up with the e-mails and flood of information from her new school and the new term hasn’t even started yet!

Next week she is attending a week long summer school / transition week which I thought was a really good idea to help her get settled ahead of September but she is complaining she doesn’t want to go and it’s unfair she has to spend part of her summer holiday in school (which is fair enough). She has already spent a day at the school and came home overwhelmed saying the buildings are too big, she felt lost and lunch was rushed. On the other hand she really enjoyed the taster lessons and as she likes structure she was excited about having a timetable of different classes.

I’m sensing the months ahead might be a bit tricky and DD is my oldest so the first to attend Secondary and I’m really not sure what to expect!

Hi

iamamos · 27/07/2024 08:46

Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 08:40

I’ve been following the 2023-24 one as DD starts secondary school this year so was interested to read about the experiences of pupils who started last September. I’m ancient and things have changed so much since I was at Secondary school. I’m already struggling to keep up with the e-mails and flood of information from her new school and the new term hasn’t even started yet!

Next week she is attending a week long summer school / transition week which I thought was a really good idea to help her get settled ahead of September but she is complaining she doesn’t want to go and it’s unfair she has to spend part of her summer holiday in school (which is fair enough). She has already spent a day at the school and came home overwhelmed saying the buildings are too big, she felt lost and lunch was rushed. On the other hand she really enjoyed the taster lessons and as she likes structure she was excited about having a timetable of different classes.

I’m sensing the months ahead might be a bit tricky and DD is my oldest so the first to attend Secondary and I’m really not sure what to expect!

Hi there I am 16 if you are wondering why I am in here it is because ia m now a teaching assistant apprentice and I am usually on the staff room forum . Anyways secondary is such a big deal in year 7 I remember when is started September 2019 it was so big and all the kids were taller than me and I was expected to get on with it . You do get used to it after a while and it is a fun experience , you have different teachers for all subjects and lunchtimes are usually in the canteen though you can eat outside . It is like primary but with older mature kids no parents teachers aren't as " involved " meaning aren't babying you constantly I woukd say secondary was an experience I loved I enjoyed every moment of it and I am sure your daughter will to

iamamos · 27/07/2024 08:48

Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 08:40

I’ve been following the 2023-24 one as DD starts secondary school this year so was interested to read about the experiences of pupils who started last September. I’m ancient and things have changed so much since I was at Secondary school. I’m already struggling to keep up with the e-mails and flood of information from her new school and the new term hasn’t even started yet!

Next week she is attending a week long summer school / transition week which I thought was a really good idea to help her get settled ahead of September but she is complaining she doesn’t want to go and it’s unfair she has to spend part of her summer holiday in school (which is fair enough). She has already spent a day at the school and came home overwhelmed saying the buildings are too big, she felt lost and lunch was rushed. On the other hand she really enjoyed the taster lessons and as she likes structure she was excited about having a timetable of different classes.

I’m sensing the months ahead might be a bit tricky and DD is my oldest so the first to attend Secondary and I’m really not sure what to expect!

I also wouldn't make her go in in the summer if she doesn't want to , I see it as pointless (my opinion I don't mean to offend you ) she should start in September with every other year 7 and remember that they will be as nervous as her just make sure she doesn't overpack her bag it happens to the best of us I had protractors Oxford sets the lot and do did every other year 7 but all in all she'll get used to it good luck !

SallyWD · 27/07/2024 09:08

My daughter started two years ago and my son's starting this year. It was fine with DD. She did a one day transition day. She was in a form with two primary school friends but I don't think she knew anyone in her actual class (the class is who she does all her lessons with). She walked to and from school with some old friends at first.
Her experience was very similar to mine actually. A little overwhelming at first. She got lost a few times. She complained about the amount of homework she got!
Generally though it went well. A few bumpy weeks but she settled well. She was very much ready for secondary school and had outgrown primary school. She made friends, she remembered what books she needed each day, she sorted her own breakfast and managed her own homework. She became incredibly independent in year 7. It's all been good and positive. I hope it goes well for your DD.

Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 10:00

iamamos · 27/07/2024 08:48

I also wouldn't make her go in in the summer if she doesn't want to , I see it as pointless (my opinion I don't mean to offend you ) she should start in September with every other year 7 and remember that they will be as nervous as her just make sure she doesn't overpack her bag it happens to the best of us I had protractors Oxford sets the lot and do did every other year 7 but all in all she'll get used to it good luck !

Show quote history

Thanks, note taken the over packing!

All of her friends who are attending this secondary will be going to the Summer school and her new HOY mentioned most of the incoming Y7 have signed up to it so it’s a good opportunity for the kids to get used to the school while it’s empty. They also find out their new form group. But yeah…we didn’t have any of this when I was her age and it was all fine.

OP posts:
Thmssngvwlsrnd · 27/07/2024 10:18

My DD is also starting secondary in September. She's got her 'summer school' week starting on the 19th, and I think she has started to worry about it a bit. Like you OP, the school have said most new children are going, so hopefully she will enjoy it when she gets there. I must say I'm a little envious that you are receiving lots of emails from your new school - I'm not getting anything from mine! Would be nice to hear from them. Have you ordered uniform yet? We've got DD's blazer coming this week, got her PE kit last week.

Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 10:30

Thmssngvwlsrnd · 27/07/2024 10:18

My DD is also starting secondary in September. She's got her 'summer school' week starting on the 19th, and I think she has started to worry about it a bit. Like you OP, the school have said most new children are going, so hopefully she will enjoy it when she gets there. I must say I'm a little envious that you are receiving lots of emails from your new school - I'm not getting anything from mine! Would be nice to hear from them. Have you ordered uniform yet? We've got DD's blazer coming this week, got her PE kit last week.

Not ordered uniform yet, it’s on my To Do list The school sent an information sheet with the requirements and I just put it to one side as the list of instructions and rules about skirt length, shoes etc was too much too take in😂
DD is already fretting as an older child we know who is at the school has warned her about detention for wearing the wrong clothes lol.

DD also seems to be going through a growth spurt so I thought I’d leave it a bit and get her fitted closer to the school start date. Not sure if that’s a good idea? It means I’ll be caught up in the last minute crush with all the other late and disorganised parents.

OP posts:
Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 10:34

iamamos · 27/07/2024 08:46

Hi there I am 16 if you are wondering why I am in here it is because ia m now a teaching assistant apprentice and I am usually on the staff room forum . Anyways secondary is such a big deal in year 7 I remember when is started September 2019 it was so big and all the kids were taller than me and I was expected to get on with it . You do get used to it after a while and it is a fun experience , you have different teachers for all subjects and lunchtimes are usually in the canteen though you can eat outside . It is like primary but with older mature kids no parents teachers aren't as " involved " meaning aren't babying you constantly I woukd say secondary was an experience I loved I enjoyed every moment of it and I am sure your daughter will to

Show quote history

Thank you so much:) It’s nice to hear from somone who has a recent experience of it all. I know parents aren’t as ‘involved’ in secondary as they are at parents which I think has benefits and drawbacks. It will be good for DD to grow in independence and deal with things on her own. At the same time she’s still only 11 so it will be a learning curve for both of us. And yes, when I look at the older kids on the bus they seem like absolute giants compared to her😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 27/07/2024 10:39

SallyWD · 27/07/2024 09:08

My daughter started two years ago and my son's starting this year. It was fine with DD. She did a one day transition day. She was in a form with two primary school friends but I don't think she knew anyone in her actual class (the class is who she does all her lessons with). She walked to and from school with some old friends at first.
Her experience was very similar to mine actually. A little overwhelming at first. She got lost a few times. She complained about the amount of homework she got!
Generally though it went well. A few bumpy weeks but she settled well. She was very much ready for secondary school and had outgrown primary school. She made friends, she remembered what books she needed each day, she sorted her own breakfast and managed her own homework. She became incredibly independent in year 7. It's all been good and positive. I hope it goes well for your DD.

Thank you. DD had also definitely outgrown Primary school by the end and was ready to move on. I’m not sure she’ll be as organised as your DD though! At the moment she has to be woken and almost dragged out of bed and needed constant reminders when getting ready for primary. Hopefully that will all change.

OP posts:
Fedupoftheshits · 08/08/2024 06:51

Hi OP!

I've not seen a 2024/25 support thread, I've been looking for one too, maybe we can use this one and rename it?

My DD starts Year 7 in September and feels quite nervous about it (as do I!)

Would be good to have a support thread going for all of us in the same boat x

arinya · 08/08/2024 07:00

Wow, no week long transitions here, we just had one day spent at the new school back in June.

Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 08/08/2024 10:57

Fedupoftheshits · 08/08/2024 06:51

Hi OP!

I've not seen a 2024/25 support thread, I've been looking for one too, maybe we can use this one and rename it?

My DD starts Year 7 in September and feels quite nervous about it (as do I!)

Would be good to have a support thread going for all of us in the same boat x

Yes, would love to do that. Do I have to message MNHQ to rename the thread?

Completely natural to feel nervous for your DD, I’m the same! She seemed so grown up in Primary School but when she tried on her uniform yesterday she suddenly looked tiny to me:)) Are you happy with the school your DD will be attending and is she going up with any of her friends?

OP posts:
Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 08/08/2024 10:59

arinya · 08/08/2024 07:00

Wow, no week long transitions here, we just had one day spent at the new school back in June.

It seems quite hit and miss in terms of which schools do/don’t do these summer transition weeks. In our area a few do a couple of days, some do nothing and DD’s school seemed to be the only one that did a whole week (much to her horror!)

OP posts:
Pascha · 08/08/2024 11:17

New starter here too, though his brother is already at the school so we know what to expect. Ds2 just had two transition days in June and that was enough. I can't imagine him being impressed with summer school in the holidays.

We are off to get stationery, school bag, lunch bag, water bottle, pick up blazer from the shop etc today. The boys are not amused they have to come but it's their stuff so tough. They can push the trolley and not complain and if they are lucky I might treat them to Greggs for lunch...

Pascha · 08/08/2024 11:19

Also just informed them they are school shoe shopping at 9am tomorrow. I am winning awards for my evilness this week apparently. 😈

Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 08/08/2024 12:52

Pascha · 08/08/2024 11:19

Also just informed them they are school shoe shopping at 9am tomorrow. I am winning awards for my evilness this week apparently. 😈

Shoe shopping..I just can’t face it right now😭

The uniform shopping was bad enough. DD’s school provided a list of items that included things I’ve never heard one. Special socks for Drama?!

OP posts:
Fedupoftheshits · 08/08/2024 14:11

@Eastie77Returns I'm not sure if you can rename it yourself or if you have to message MNHQ and ask them.

DD got into the secondary school she wanted and quite a few of her friends will be there which will help I think.

I guess it's going from primary which seems such a small bubble to secondary which seems such a leap.

We've got most of the uniform sorted just need some PE trainers and school bag and PE bag to sort.

Pascha · 08/08/2024 14:26

@Eastie77Returns special drama socks? No shit like that here thank goodness. The most we have to put up with is two different sets of pe gear for indoor and outdoor.

Tesco was fun Hmm
Older child wants bright colours, easy to spot lunch bag, water bottle etc. Younger wants black or dark blue everything. I think we've got it all now including green pens, highlighters, glue stick and calculator. I'm home now and ignoring them for an hour.

Going from primary to secondary seems a much bigger step for Ds2 than Ds1 who took it all in his stride. Ds2 has 3 friends going with him and is in the same class as one of them so that's OK. Just need to get over 1st day jitters now.

kaffkooks · 08/08/2024 19:24

Lovely to find this thread. My DS is starting secondary school in September. I wasn't educated in England and he's my oldest so everything is new to me. His transition day wasn't great as he was picked on by some Y9 at lunchtime. Thankfully he has friends from out of school activities in older years at the school so they helped him and the head of Y7 dealt with it well. As a result, I think the summer transition camp in a couple of weeks will be import as he can get to know the school and people in his year without the older children around.

We have some stuff but not everything yet. Need to start putting nametags on 😣

Gladtobeout · 08/08/2024 19:49

(Hopefully) Y7 starter here too, except useless council SEN team still haven't found her a suitable school. Great to spend our summer in limbo with a child who needs predictability and routine to function day to day.

Original poster
Eastie77Returns · 09/08/2024 20:03

kaffkooks · 08/08/2024 19:24

Lovely to find this thread. My DS is starting secondary school in September. I wasn't educated in England and he's my oldest so everything is new to me. His transition day wasn't great as he was picked on by some Y9 at lunchtime. Thankfully he has friends from out of school activities in older years at the school so they helped him and the head of Y7 dealt with it well. As a result, I think the summer transition camp in a couple of weeks will be import as he can get to know the school and people in his year without the older children around.

We have some stuff but not everything yet. Need to start putting nametags on 😣

I’m sorry to hear that. Some of DD’s friends apparently returned home crying (for various reasons) after their transition days. I think the reality of the school change hit home. Glad the Y7 HOY dealt with the bullies. The summer school week should be a lot easier to navigate as it will only be Y7 kids in the school. DD did enjoy hers after initially moaning a lot about having to attend.

Name tags are on my to do list!

OP posts:
DoNotScrapeMyDataBishes · 11/08/2024 19:06

I'm on last year's thread as my eldest started Y7, but doing it all again this year as my youngest (who has a lot of SEN issues) starts Y7 to follow her sister to the same secondary.

She's had an enhanced induction because of being autistic and dyspraxic (and waiting for an ADHD assessment to add to the list) and seems to really like the student support staff and subject staff she's met, plus knows a lot of the moving-into-Y8 group from her sister's friends - but she's so young natured and vulnerable that it's always still a worry, particularly as her primary school is so tiny that she's only going up with 4 kids - none of whom she gels with at all.

Have just done namelablling everything (if you know anyone with a Cricut machine - get them to cut you names out of iron on vinyl as they stay put, show up on dark uniform and don't require sewing the bastards in. Just put the stationery order in - check what calculator the school recommends in terms of scientific calculator - last year we could order through the school, but the model has been obsoleted now and they don't have that option... and name label the calculator as we lost it within a week last year! We also need some things you wouldn't expect - like a pair of basic wired headphones so they can plug them into the school computers (which we don't generally have as we're an Apple household). Still need to get shoes but the kids are away with grandparents at the moment so that's a job for when they get back.

Thing we discovered last year - if you have a girl, moving from the primary school woollen type tights to adult style ones - buy in bulk and then buy some more... apparently there's a shortcut from the spot the kids hang out at back over to maths that goes through a hole in a fence and DD1 has shredded endless pairs.

Flametornado · 13/08/2024 11:27

Hi my son starts this September, he's going to a secondary on his own away from primary class, he's excited but nervous he enjoyed his transition days so fingers crossed x

kaffkooks · 19/08/2024 19:46

Gladtobeout · 08/08/2024 19:49

(Hopefully) Y7 starter here too, except useless council SEN team still haven't found her a suitable school. Great to spend our summer in limbo with a child who needs predictability and routine to function day to day.

Sorry to hear you are still waiting to hear about a school. Have they given you any options? Sounds hard for you and your daughter.

Jackiebrambles · 20/08/2024 09:53

Thank you for starting this thread! I’m starting to feel a bit panicky now we’re getting closer to September. Not sure what I’m worried about really - him crossing very busy roads, getting lost argh! Anyone else starting to worry a bit?

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