From primary to secondary school: a learning curve
Photo by Finlay Roberts
Moving from primary to secondary school was a huge change.
Coming from a small village school made it seem an even bigger deal - I was so worried things would go wrong like the iPad scheme and my new uniform but luckily, when it came to my first day I was sorted.
When I was put into my form, I only knew one person from my primary school whom, at the time, I wasn't best friends with (I am now, though). This seemed quite difficult as some other people from my primary school had more friends in their form, but it has ended up being fine!
I kept some of my old friends and have made new ones. My new friends are really nice and I am so thankful I stayed friends with my old ones too.
Here are some aspects of secondary school life that are really different:
Waking up
The time difference between getting up for primary and secondary, for me, was shocking.
I thought it would be easy, but I was wrong: waking up just half an hour earlier means that I am tired. On the first day I woke up early because of excitement, but had no such luck on the second.
I realised I could do with an alarm clock to help me get up on time so I borrowed my 6 year old brother’s Star Wars one - he doesn't use it anyway! I used that until my birthday which is thankfully in September so I didn't have to wait long. Now I've got a proper alarm clock that helps me wake up, but I still am tired in the mornings.
The bus
I was always really looking forward to going on the bus because it means your parents no longer take you to school which gives you more responsibility.
On the first day I walked up with my friend and her brother. Walking with them helped because I couldn't get my bus pass out of my blazer pocket and I didn't know what time to walk up, so I was nearly late! Luckily, they were able there to help.
For the first couple of weeks of year 7 walking up with someone near is helpful as you then have someone to sit next to on the bus. Personally, I would suggest sitting in the middle as the older students sit at the back on the bottom floor and it can be a little loud. It's always worth trying to get a seat because standing up for 20 minutes can be tiring.
Lunch and the main corridor
I also found out in around my third week at Heathfield that sometimes, avoiding the main corridor is the best option when navigating the school because sometimes it gets very busy.
I recommend taking the outside way then coming back in if you’re going from one end to the other and the main corridor happens to be very busy.
Lunch is great as well; it’s so much better than the food at primary school, and there are way more options. Not only is the food better, but it's actually cheaper if you get a hot meal. On the downside the canteen line can be really long so I like to make sure I'm next to a friend.
Library
We used to read a lot at primary school and had a library, but the range of books were quite limited and they weren't very intriguing. The books here are great.
There are so many different genres, which is really cool - I love the range and the contents.
Practical subjects
Science is a good example of a practical subject. I feel it is much better than primary as we actually get to be independent, although it can be more dangerous as we use equipment such as bunsen burners. Everybody is responsible and sensible, though. Technology seems pretty cool too - I haven't tried food tech yet but wood technology is great fun.
So far in my class, we have made made a door stop and I am pleased with my effort.
Clubs
My advice regarding clubs would be to try some to find out what you like and dislike. You may find a new talent! There are so many clubs up for offer at Heathfield - there is no harm in having a go at one, whether it's one of the wide range of sports or creative clubs including drama.
If you have a passion for writing or you have something to say, you could join the Vine, Heathfield’s own school newspaper. If you love presenting and music, try helping out with Heathfield Radio. There is truly something for everyone!
Homework
Homework is very different to primary school. For example, there is a lot more of it! It was really helpful not to be dropped in at the deep end as soon as we started, but you still have to learn how to manage the workload. To be honest, I'm still learning: the golden rule is to do it as you get it so you can keep on top of it effectively. Firefly really helps with organisation, but you must look at it and check your emails regularly.
Conclusion
Secondary school is amazing.
Even though I sometimes miss primary school, I know I am going to love it at HCC, and I am going to have countless fun experiences here - I’m settling in well already. I can't wait to see what the rest of the school years are going to have to offer. Year 7 is going well so far: I really like my form tutor and the rest of my teachers. Everyone is so nice and Heathfield is great.
Amy Washington Thurston Y7
Coming from a small village school made it seem an even bigger deal - I was so worried things would go wrong like the iPad scheme and my new uniform but luckily, when it came to my first day I was sorted.
When I was put into my form, I only knew one person from my primary school whom, at the time, I wasn't best friends with (I am now, though). This seemed quite difficult as some other people from my primary school had more friends in their form, but it has ended up being fine!
I kept some of my old friends and have made new ones. My new friends are really nice and I am so thankful I stayed friends with my old ones too.
Here are some aspects of secondary school life that are really different:
Waking up
The time difference between getting up for primary and secondary, for me, was shocking.
I thought it would be easy, but I was wrong: waking up just half an hour earlier means that I am tired. On the first day I woke up early because of excitement, but had no such luck on the second.
I realised I could do with an alarm clock to help me get up on time so I borrowed my 6 year old brother’s Star Wars one - he doesn't use it anyway! I used that until my birthday which is thankfully in September so I didn't have to wait long. Now I've got a proper alarm clock that helps me wake up, but I still am tired in the mornings.
The bus
I was always really looking forward to going on the bus because it means your parents no longer take you to school which gives you more responsibility.
On the first day I walked up with my friend and her brother. Walking with them helped because I couldn't get my bus pass out of my blazer pocket and I didn't know what time to walk up, so I was nearly late! Luckily, they were able there to help.
For the first couple of weeks of year 7 walking up with someone near is helpful as you then have someone to sit next to on the bus. Personally, I would suggest sitting in the middle as the older students sit at the back on the bottom floor and it can be a little loud. It's always worth trying to get a seat because standing up for 20 minutes can be tiring.
Lunch and the main corridor
I also found out in around my third week at Heathfield that sometimes, avoiding the main corridor is the best option when navigating the school because sometimes it gets very busy.
I recommend taking the outside way then coming back in if you’re going from one end to the other and the main corridor happens to be very busy.
Lunch is great as well; it’s so much better than the food at primary school, and there are way more options. Not only is the food better, but it's actually cheaper if you get a hot meal. On the downside the canteen line can be really long so I like to make sure I'm next to a friend.
Library
We used to read a lot at primary school and had a library, but the range of books were quite limited and they weren't very intriguing. The books here are great.
There are so many different genres, which is really cool - I love the range and the contents.
Practical subjects
Science is a good example of a practical subject. I feel it is much better than primary as we actually get to be independent, although it can be more dangerous as we use equipment such as bunsen burners. Everybody is responsible and sensible, though. Technology seems pretty cool too - I haven't tried food tech yet but wood technology is great fun.
So far in my class, we have made made a door stop and I am pleased with my effort.
Clubs
My advice regarding clubs would be to try some to find out what you like and dislike. You may find a new talent! There are so many clubs up for offer at Heathfield - there is no harm in having a go at one, whether it's one of the wide range of sports or creative clubs including drama.
If you have a passion for writing or you have something to say, you could join the Vine, Heathfield’s own school newspaper. If you love presenting and music, try helping out with Heathfield Radio. There is truly something for everyone!
Homework
Homework is very different to primary school. For example, there is a lot more of it! It was really helpful not to be dropped in at the deep end as soon as we started, but you still have to learn how to manage the workload. To be honest, I'm still learning: the golden rule is to do it as you get it so you can keep on top of it effectively. Firefly really helps with organisation, but you must look at it and check your emails regularly.
Conclusion
Secondary school is amazing.
Even though I sometimes miss primary school, I know I am going to love it at HCC, and I am going to have countless fun experiences here - I’m settling in well already. I can't wait to see what the rest of the school years are going to have to offer. Year 7 is going well so far: I really like my form tutor and the rest of my teachers. Everyone is so nice and Heathfield is great.
Amy Washington Thurston Y7
