Transition to high school
Starting high school can be a big adjustment. Read advice on how to prepare your child to become a high school student or change schools.
Getting ready for the change
Starting high school is a new experience that can involve many changes for students, including:
- going to a larger school
- changing classrooms and teachers for each subject
- choosing elective subjects
- more responsibility for managing their schoolwork and study
- making new friends and dealing with peer pressure.
Many high schools offer activities to help prepare new students who will be starting high school the following year, including:
- orientation or open days
- transition to year 7 programs.
Check with your high school to find out about any orientation or transition to year 7 activities.
Before the first day of school
Practical preparations ahead of the first day can help make starting high school easier and calm any nerves, including:
- wearing in uniforms and shoes
- buying school supplies
- planning travel to and from school
- learning how to use transport apps or read a timetable
- getting to know other students beforehand.
Help your child get ready for high school at the NSW Department of Education
If your child is changing schools
Changing schools partway through a year can be challenging, whether it’s a move to a new suburb, city, state or country.
Challenges can include:
- repeating or missing out on topics
- learning or communicating in a new language
- leaving friends behind
- making new friends.
Find more information and advice on moving schools at the Raising Children Network.