Back to school!
This week, we welcomed back our existing students as well as our new Year 7s to high school and Year 12s to Haslingden Sixth Form.
The return to school after summer break can be a mix of emotions, but we were glad to see so many smiling faces as they returned.
To help our new Year 7s settle in, we held a welcome assembly, followed by an introduction to their form tutor. We also held a Freshers Fair where students explored what clubs and extracurricular activities are on offer, and we ended the day with a treasure hunt to help students find their way around the school.
As the rest of our students returned today, both staff and students helped their younger peers navigate their way to their classrooms.
Drama are on Bad Ground
Additionally, our Year 12 and 13 sixth form students were invited to take part in a spooky Christmas production ‘Bad Ground’ – a darker companion piece to the lower school production of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’. Watch this space for more information!
Settling in can take a while, so here are some tips to make it easier…
Go over timetables
Getting used to a timetable can take a bit of time. Encouraging your child to check what they have the next day the night before can help. Using a colour-coding system to separate subjects or buildings, and they can use a school map to plan their routes.
Adjust bedtimes
Going from the summer holidays to a school bedtime routine can be a shock to the system. Consistency is key, so have a routine they follow every night and try to keep to similar bedtimes at the weekends to avoid disruption.
Buddy up
By now, transport to and from school should be arranged, but carsharing or walking with friends is a great way for students to connect. Leave a post in a local Facebook group to see if any parents would like to connect.
Be prepared
Encourage students to check their timetable the night before to see if they need to bring anything extra to school, such as a PE kit or Food Tech supplies.
Celebrate small wins
Navigating the transition is a big deal, so small treats like going to the park or watching their favourite film can reaffirm that they are doing a great job.
Anxieties and worries
If your child is experiencing anxiety about going back to school, it’s important to validate their experience and reassure them. The shift from primary to secondary school is one of the biggest shifts a child goes through, and anxiety is very normal. Having open conversations about what exactly is causing anxiety can help – while writing and drawing can ease built-up stress.
If there is something in particular that is causing concern, you can always contact the school for advice or for adjustments to be made.