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

[TheBrightHazelDog]

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!

@twistyizzy Yes! She actually has a set in her primary bag now just in case x

Confidence to speak to new children / answer questions in the classroom really helps. Especially if they've been with the same group or at a small school. Try and get them to do some activities during the school hols where they come into contact with children from other schools and different leaders/adults to the regular teacher they are used to. Scouts/ Guides and sports also great for this.

They could start some duolingo if they know which language they might do at secondary.

Agree with letting them become responsible for getting things ready for their school bag or outings with helping them become independent.

Books & newspapers available around the house and help with general knowledge e.g. as things start to come out in the garden talk about what they need to grow.

Don't worry about it too much as they will be in the same boat as the other Year 7s and they all grow up fast once they reach secondary. But let them (and you!) enjoy the last years of primary as they will be doing GCSEs before you know it!

Two pencil cases.

One at home and one in school bag that does not come out. That way it can't be forgotten.

Just came on to say with two DC in secondary - one year 7 I agree that it's way
more about organisation and accountability than any academic prep.

BUT even more importantly I am in the 'don't wish primary away' camp!

There is nothing you need to do right now - they will change so much and the primary will probably help with this pre transition .
Then once they start you will plenty of access to information about what is expected of them - you can build your routines then!

My DC both write homework deadlines on a whiteboard, do books into bag the night before , and both take a little bag of emergency supplies ( they both wear
Contacts so take spares and a little mirror etc)
DS takes a spare pencil case with just the bare minimum as if he lost his pencil case he would get demerits for not having writing tools.
The being ready for a first period was one I was very grateful I had planned for with DD.

@Sixthform25 Thanks- yes, we’re big on books and chats. DC does various clubs at primary, is brave and always up for trying stuff , is generally confident talking to adults but pretty shy around other kids. She’s just started a new activity at the weekend which will mean meeting kids outside of school so that will give her some more experience.

@OhCrumbsWhereNow Brilliant! Just reminded me I use this technique myself with glasses and keys as a strategy for my chaotic dyslexic brain!

@holidayfever2024 You are right, there’s no rush, and really not wishing primary away, she’s at such a lovely nurturing one! Also, good point, I’m not factoring how much will change between now and yr7 x