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As your child prepares to move into secondary school, it’s normal to have feelings ofboth excitement and uncertainty. This transition marks an important step toward greater independence, deeper academic challenge, and new social dynamics. Fortunately, there are many ways parents can support their child during this period of growth.
New Routines and Expectations
Starting secondary school often brings several changes:
Multiple teachers and classrooms
Increased academic expectations
More homework
Growing personal responsibility
Shifting social dynamics
At BISW, we recognize that these changes can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’ve built a comprehensive transition program that begins in Year 6, including:
Workshops and taster days to familiarize students with secondary classrooms and routines
A buddy program connecting incoming students with current Year 7s
Opportunities to meet multiple teachers and staff in advance
These experiences help students build confidence, make connections, and feel prepared for what’s ahead.
A Phased Approach to Independence We believe that independence develops gradually. That’s why we intentionally build personal organization, resilience, and wellbeing skills into the first year of secondary school: Homework expectations increase progressively, with organization strategies taught in tutor time PSHE and tutor programs focus on stress management, time management, and friendships Weekly social-emotional learning sessions strengthen empathy, conflict resolution, and self-awareness A supervised wellbeing room offers students a quiet space when they feel overwhelmed By meeting students where they are, we help them develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive academically and socially. The Role Parents Play at Home As we support students at school, parents can reinforce positive habits at home: Establish consistent routines for homework, meals, and sleep Help students organize assignments with a planner or digital calendar Normalize mistakes and setbacks as part of learning Encourage open conversations about emotions, friendships, and challenges Support social skill-building by modeling respectful conflict resolution The transition to secondary school at BISW is not a single event—it’s a journey. With a strong school-home partnership, we can help every student navigate this new chapter with confidence.