STARTING high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, with new classmates, strict teachers and a big, unfamiliar building to navigate. Education reporter Saiqa Chaudhari spent a day with new pupils at Harper Green School to find out how they coped in their first week.

HUNDREDS of young people across Bolton are completing their first full week at “big school”.

Having left the comfort of their primary school, the 11-year-olds suddenly find themselves being taught by more than two teachers, a timetable crammed full of lessons and a school which seems as big as a small town.

Harper Green School in Farnworth welcomed about 240 new starters.

Vanessa Neboh said: “It is nerve-wracking starting secondary school. You have lots of different teachers and there are more people.”

Winter Young added: “I was worried I wouldn’t know where I was going because it is much bigger.”

But within days, those first-day nerves were soon replaced by excitement of meeting new people, being introduced to new subjects and knowing that they can realise their ambitions — thanks to the work the school does before and after the new year seven pupils start.

Many of the young people attended Harper Green’s summer school, where they had a chance to meet their new teachers, get to know their way around and find out how much fun maths and literacy can actually be.

Kian Brierley said: “I was quite shy about starting secondary school, but having attended the summer school I feel more confident and comfortable.

“I have made new friends. I think my favourite part of the day is lunchtime.”

Winter added: “Starting high school has been really good. Summer school helped a lot. I met my form tutor and I know where I am going.”

Staff say they do all they can to help their new intake settle in quickly, with their progress monitored from day one to ensure they achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

They are all assigned buddies and more events are planned, including a special parents evening next month — so mums and dads can feel a part of the school.

Clare Griffiths, the school’s transition manager, said: “The move from primary school has gone really well, the summer school was really successful and, in October, we are having a special parents evening where mums and dads can find out how their child is doing — it is more than a traditional parents evening.”

Marjorie Gregory, head of pastoral care for year seven, said: “Starting a new year is exciting for staff to meet the new children and for the children to meet their teachers and make new friends.

“We introduce the children to their teachers so they know who they are — and they know they can talk to us about any worries they have at any time, to become less nervous and anxious and more confident.

“We work to make sure it is not a daunting experience, especially for those who are the only ones to have come from their school, by introducing them to others who are the only ones to have come from their school.

“This is a new chapter in the lives of children, and it is a privilege to welcome them to the school.

“They start as a blank canvas and a it is new start.

As well as making them “at home”, pupils’ progress is monitored straight away to ensure they are meeting their potential.

Brian Duffy, director of achievement for year seven, said: “We track their progress straight away. We want all the children to aspire and be what they want to be. It is our job to help the children to get there.

“Pupils in every year group are monitored and we can pick up any problems quickly.”

The year seven pupils said they are eager to achieve.

Vanessa said: “I want to be a doctor, so I want to do well here. I did well in primary school and want to carry on working hard.

“I am really enjoying science because we are in laboratories.”

GETTING USED TO A NEW SCHOOL LIFE

  • STARTING secondary school is a milestone — and a daunting time — in a child’s life.
  • Not only will they go from being the oldest to the youngest pupil, they will have extra responsibilities, from managing their timetable, ensuring they have the right stationery and equipment for the day’s lessons and balance their homework with their social life — while facing the challenges of becoming a teenager.
  • Parents can help make the move easier by attending open days and travelling the route to school a few times.
  • To stop feeling out of touch, attend schools events by checking the school website for details of what is happening, contact the parent teacher association and keep the school informed of changes at home.
  • Keep an eye on the homework diary to ensure children are keeping up to date.
  • Parents can help children feel more supported and confident by talking and listening to them and taking an interest in their learning.
  • Expect children to be a little tired by the end of the day — but  do  try to get them into a homework routine.