Back-to-School Preparation Tips

5th August 2024 by Anita Naik

Helping children and teens transition smoothly from summer break into a school routine isn't always easy. With a new school year comes anxiety, a need to be organised and the capacity for some clear goal-setting. Here's how to help them be ready.

Organisation and preparation

Helping students be organised and ready for the new school year involves a combination of practical strategies, emotional support, and skill development. A good way to approach this is to examine how they performed in the previous academic year, what's expected of them this year, and where they need extra support.

For instance, are their marks at the level you need them to be for SATs, GCSEs, or other qualifications? Do they have knowledge gaps, or do they need help with revision and exam techniques? If so, would they benefit from the help of a tutor?

If you're considering one, it pays to start your research early, as many tutor slots are signed up before the school term begins. At the same time, talk to your child and teen and gauge what they think about extra help and what they feel their needs are this academic year.

Discuss goals and expectations

Talk to your children about their goals and expectations for the new school year.

Each key stage and academic year has its own goals, so establishing clear expectations can help children feel more prepared and confident.

Start by defining academic goals. Help teens set clear, achievable goals for the year, such as improving grades in specific subjects, starting revision early in the year, or fulfilling homework needs without being asked. Ensure they understand what is expected of them academically, including school rules, assignment deadlines, and class participation.

Secondly, help them create a schedule, especially if they are approaching GCSEs and A-levels. A weekly schedule that includes revision time, homework and extracurricular activities can help them prioritise tasks based on importance and deadlines and manage their workload effectively.

Use organisational tools such as digital planners, calendars, to-do lists, and apps to help them stay organised.

Address pre-term anxiety

If your child feels anxious about returning to school, talk about their concerns and reassure them.

Anxiety can range from the social aspects of being at school to starting a new school, changing teachers, workload, or expectations around exams and grades.

Try to encourage positive thinking and let them know you are there for support whenever they need it. If that doesn't work, consider coping mechanisms that can help them.

Talking to teachers on their behalf, pastoral care, extra support outside of school, and extra-curricular activities can all help.

Stay informed

Follow school communications, including newsletters and emails, to stay informed about important dates, events, and any changes in school policies.

If you have a teen in Sixth Form, encourage them to stay on top of their life admin and email notifications from school, UCAS and any colleges they have applied to.

Applications for Oxford, Cambridge and most courses in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science should arrive at UCAS by 15 October 2024.

The registration for the TMUA is 16 September 2024. The registration deadline is 9 December 2024.

STEP registration for June 2025 exams opens on March 1st 2025.

Involve kids in planning

Above all encourage your children be part of the back-to-school preparations.

This can include practical activities for younger children, such as choosing their school supplies, planning their study space, and discussing their daily routines.

For older students preparing for GCSEs and A-levels, talk about applications for Sixth Form, UCAS, degree apprenticeships, independent learning, further reading, and super-curricular activities for their university applications.