Tips / Advice for new starter

[RealUnicorns]

My first DC is starting secondary and I’m interested in any tips or hints (dos and donts) to ensure they get off to the best start. Things like keeping on top of homework, time tabling, using Google classroom, anything really. TIA

Find out how the school sets homework. Usually there will be an online system, ensure you can access it.

Get a copy of their TT and support with getting the right equipment. Don't do it for them.

Find out which calculator the maths dept uses and buy the right one. Don't buy any scientific calculator, be specific.

Be prepared to let go a bit. Let them make their own mistakes where you can, so long term they learn.

Ive had 3 go through secondary and I'd say start how you mean to go on.
Provide all the equipment plus some storage to keep everything together (we had 2 boxes one for work that needed to be done, one for everything else).
Get a copy of their timetable have one in their blazer pocket and one in the house.
Discuss with them how they are going to set up their routines so there on time for transport/school, submit everything on time and dont forget anything.
Then keep the lines of communication open, ask them if they are managing, check in on their routine see if it's helping.
Encourage them to join clubs to make new friends.
Our school had a fortnightly information email for parents, anything relevant for dc I'd put in my calendar and screenshot and send them (then they could never tell me I hadn't told them)!
Make sure they know what to do if something out the ordinary happens eg if the bus doesn't turn up. My dc had some money in the bottom of the bag for emergency if /when the school bus broke down they could hop on a different bus.
You read lots of horror stories (especially on here) and we've had some rough times with sen and medical needs but its also been a pleasure watching them all grow (and although there's been some difficult times there's been more good times and there such good company now).

Some great tips thank you - especially appreciate the positivity as was starting to feel worried/anxious about it all (keeping that from DC who is quite calm and relaxed about whole thing for now!)

I think that “be prepared to let go a bit” is probably something I need to pay attention to!! I’m quite involved in their primary. I have their Google classroom on my phone for instance and assist with homework (sit with them for example although they do the work).

I want to help them be organised and in routines but not take over.

Some great tips but I would also add: make some time in your day (usually when you are dog tired and just want to to go to bed) to chat and talk. Don't crowd them with Qs but I've found that once I'm ready for bed that DD (13) is most receptive to talking about her day. Keeping the lines of communication open is vital at this age so it's invaluable if you can carve out some time. Teenagers need us as much as toddlers do, they just aren't as obvious with that need.
Most times they just want to vent rather than get advice so be the sounding board.

Have conversations about resilience and how to navigate difficult friendships.

Oh and have about 4 copies of their timetable and homework timetable printed out!

Make sure they pack their bag the night before. Have a copy of their timetable by the door.

Be on top of homework. Always do it the night it is set.

Ensure they read for 20 minutes a day. It becomes increasingly important, but parents don't seem to support it as much as in primary school.

Agree with the reading. Inextricably linked to higher GCSE grades