The leap from primary to secondary school is a major shift for your pre-teen. The good news is that a completely new learning adventure awaits him or her. From the number of subjects to a handful of assignments and having to spend more time on CCAs and other commitments. 

The question remains, Are there things I may not know about secondary school?

5 Things You May Not Know About Secondary School 

There are things about secondary school that may take parents and students by surprise as they steer the uncharted waters of secondary school.

Secondary School Requires Some Emotional Adjustment

Transition into secondary school is a big shift in terms of the number of subjects and the amount of other curricular commitment required. You hear some newbie students say, “Oh! I didn't know this was what secondary school is like.” 

They get shocked and realize there's more to life than playing every day. This is why, as a parent, you should know that your child needs to be emotionally adjustable. 

From the struggle to leaving their primary school friends, they come to a different entire environment entirely, to have a lot of responsibilities. They also learn to be more independent, self-motivated, and competent in juggling their time. This is why it's helpful to have someone show them the way around early on.

They also need to learn to speak up and don't suffer in silence when they're in school or class as the teachers are there to help them.

Each School Runs a little different

Each school is free to determine the resources and methods that they use to assess students, particularly the newbies. These assessments could come in the form of letter writing, book reviews, presentations, and even photo writings. 

Even though schools share the common objective of the 'O' levels, they also rearrange Science and Math topics in ways they best see fit.  

To manage these fluctuations and shifting schemes secondary students need to bets to be alert, aware, and mentally flexible. Rather than having a proposed vision and focusing only on the topics that are directly presented to them, students will excel if they are taught the basic sets of skills needed for each subject. 

With mastery of these basic concepts along with critical thinking and analysis skills, no scheme of work will be too daunting for them.

Also, not all schools allow mobile phones. A piece of advice if they do is that you get your timetable is to take a photo of it and set it as your lock screen, to constantly know when you have a class and also know where to go for the class. 

Alternatively, keep your timetable in a laminated sleeve so it doesn't get damaged and you can assess it anytime.

Primary School Skills Are No Longer Sufficient

The simple techniques learned in primary school are sometimes not enough to guarantee success. This is why secondary school is less about rote learning and more about vital thinking and the ability to apply skills. 

For instance, Composition English in primary school is less complicated, with open-ended personal recounts and expository essays compared to new and never-seen-before subjects like Literature and Geography which makes an appearance. 

For Math and Science, students move away from the normal addition and subtraction and truly encounter more word problems for the first time. 

In fact, with the intro of various standards and increased rigour, you see some primary school methods are irrelevant. Even Parents with little knowledge of subjects may not provide solutions to tougher questions and concepts.

This is why It's important to help your child realize that he or she is not alone in his or her learning journey and be your child's biggest motivator. Constantly reassure him or her that his or her well-being is important to you and that you're seriously concerned about them. 

With the ever-evolving curriculum, your child’s teachers play a very important role in coaching them academically. 

Having A Strong Foundation Is Crucial 

Many students may think that Secondary is an easy year that they can coast through, and after succeeding in the PSLE you can't blame them for wanting a break yunno. It’s important to note, that Secondary is an important foundational year where many core ideas and skills must be learned. 

Knowledge in core subjects like Mathematics is built in these secondary school journeys. If they miss this foundational knowledge, they'll find it difficult to succeed in transitional exams at the university. 

These essential skills and formats will carry with them throughout secondary school and make a good future. Missing out on basic concepts and knowledge might mean that students end up playing a long game of catch-up for the next few years.

Secondary School is a Lot Of Fun

Secondary school is an eye-opening introduction to the academic world. There's so much to be known and students often have the chance to grow fast and learn all from emotional maturity to critical reading skills. 

The friendships developed in secondary school also remain with many throughout their lives.  It's worthwhile to know that Secondary can be a time of incredible findings and development that students enjoy and remember with fondness.

The others like making sure you get a good night's sleep, go to your classroom early, aim to get a full breakfast in the morning to keep you energized until you go to your break time or lunchtime, and others are something you already know.