Secondary school can be a culture shock for many. The style and nature of learning is often hugely different from primary lessons, and students are all of a sudden required to take responsibility for their own progress. Newfound independence must be accompanied by discipline and preparation in order to ensure success. Here are some of the major differences between primary and high school years, and some tips to adapt and thrive from Pascal Press.

Homework

Homework is often much more rigorous, time consuming and challenging in high school, and it can take consistent practice to become accustomed to. Try to create a routine for each afternoon that is disciplined without being too demanding. A small break after school to relax and have a snack is a good idea, with a specific time to start revision and homework following. Ensure you have a quiet space to study without the distraction of television, devices or general household commotion. An hour or two before dinner and an hour thereafter can offer a pleasant mid-homework break and can provide fuel for the final stint. Find a structure that feels good for you and commit to this habit. Research shows that the more homework students do, the more likely they are to succeed at school, and consistency is key! 

Exams

Rubric Tests are a new and often stressful part of schooling for Year 7 students; however, they can be demystified by following the subject rubric. Students should find out from their teachers exactly which topics are included in the exam and ensure they are covering these concepts in study. Be specific and request the chapters to revise – your teachers are here to help you succeed, and they will appreciate the effort taken to ask. Past test papers are a reliable way to judge your readiness for an exam. Textbooks also have revision questions at the end of each chapter summary if you’re unable to access a previous year’s exam. 

Learning style

High school is less prescriptive than primary education. Students get out what they put in, which presents a huge opportunity to excel in studies with a little application. Teachers are too busy to spoon-feed individual pupils, and they will not ensure you have caught up if you miss classes. Ask a reliable friend for class notes if you are sick or on holiday or speak to your teacher for textbook pages to revise and missed homework. While school is important in fostering social skills, you are there to learn and you will benefit from paying attention – not mucking around with mates. Your teachers are not responsible for the knowledge missed whilst chatting to friends during class.

Focus, ask questions, do your homework and prepare for exams. These are the not-so-secret ingredients for high school success. It may feel tough at first, but high school is an exciting place to learn and develop skills for life. A little dedication and concentration are all you need to succeed in school!