Welcome back to the autumn term! The beginning of a new academic year always feels like a fresh start and it’s a great opportunity to make positive changes.
For those starting a new school the experience can be exciting and daunting in equal measure! Parents and carers can help by checking their teens have everything they need to start the new academic year on the right foot. This includes how they feel, what they’ll wear, any equipment they may need and, perhaps most important of all, a positive mindset.
As students progress to choosing their options, they’ll be expected to act with more maturity and to exhibit even more so the ALET attributes – Resilience, Professionalism, Confident, Aware and Enterprising.
Here’s what they can expect from this term and how parents and carers can help:
Year 10
It’s an exciting fresh start to the two-year GCSE/technical syllabus. It’s probably the first time teenagers have had any say in what they study, so hopefully they’re looking forward to beginning their optional subjects. The timetable and intensity of study is greater than they’ll have experienced in earlier years, so it’s important they are getting enough breaks and rest at home. It may also help if they have plenty of stationery to help them be organised, both at home and school. It may take a little time for them to adjust to their studies, so don’t worry too much if they are not entirely on top of things to begin. However, if they are seriously struggling to cope, keep in close touch with the school and their subject teachers.Year 11
This is the mid-point in the options year and while there’s still some way to go before finals, thoughts should begin to turn to what they’ll do once GCSEs/BTECs are over. There’s no need to make final decisions at this stage, but understanding what options are available is a good idea. ALET schools make a point of working with employers to give students meaningful experiences of the world of work and helping them develop their career plans. Students should also review whether they are doing enough to support future applications outside of their studies. Hobbies and co-curricular interests develop skills and character, which will be considered alongside the qualifications they achieve when they’re looking to take next steps.
By this stage students should be comfortable with their timetable – both during the school day and the homework that needs to be done. It’s a good time for them to start adding in extra time to go over what they’ve learnt with revision. It is much better to do small chunks earlier on than trying to cram huge amounts of revision near to exams. Mocks will be taking place at the end of this term or straight after Christmas.
Year 12
This is a very exciting time when students get to focus on those subjects they enjoy most. Initially, it may seem as if there is less to do (because there are less subjects to cover) but the depth and style of learning is much more intense, and this can come as a shock to some. Being well-organised is an important part of keeping on top of things, so make sure they have plenty of filing to store their work (not everything will be online!). It’s important students use study periods wisely, otherwise they may be overwhelmed with the amount they need to do at the end of the school day and over the weekend. This may require discipline, such as taking study periods in a quiet place such as the library, rather than the common room, where the temptation to chat might be too great.For students moving into school sixth form, there is the kudos of being among the most senior learners in school, and for those starting college, a new environment focused on the sixth form age group feels like a step closer to adulthood and independence. Teens should spend this term settling into their new routine – both for study at school and at home.
Year 13
Teens may really start to feel the pressure now they enter their second year of study, especially if the results of their summer mocks were disappointing. This is a good time to start the new academic year on the right footing by organising both homework timetables and revision timetables to help keep on top or workload. Leaving revision until later in the year may be tempting but cramming near exam times can increase stress. A balance routine is vital in ensuring a healthy lifestyle, to keep up with school/college work but also allowing some time for fun too. Diet, sleep and exercise should not be underestimated as critical elements of keeping mentally and physically well, so you’re best placed at home to make sure they are doing the right things. As your teen is older now, it can be tricky to tell them what to do if they’re not doing the right things, so try suggestion and leading by example.Students wishing to apply to university or take a degree apprenticeship will need to visit universities this term and prepare their application for submission in January (October this term if applying to medical school or Oxbridge). Students should begin researching apprenticeship openings.
*Copy courtesy of www.theparentsguideto.co.uk
The site has lots of valuable information for parents, carers and students so do take a look.
