Dear Year 7 student,

I'm a Year 9 student and lately noticed how uncertain I am about having to change schools soon.

On the one hand, I know I'm excited and want to discover new things, but I mostly just get nervous, as I don't know if I'll manage to settle in with the new rules, teachers, and colleagues. At times I wonder if the homework will be too hard or if I'll get behind while everyone else has already gotten on their way. Can you give me any advice on how to prepare myself for such a big leap?

The second issue I have is towards fitting in and making new friends. I am worried that I might be the corner kid who's not quite part of it all. I imagine myself walking into a classroom with a group of people all getting along and getting anxious about joining in when they already have their own thing going. At the same time, I don’t want to be stuck without my current friends.

Any advice would be welcome.

Best wishes,

Anonymous

Dear Y9 student,

 When I received your letter, I saw that you have many problems such as: Managing new things, homework worries, and friendship concerns. Something I could observe that was really bothering you was changing schools soon, scary. It’s normal to feel nervous about new rules, teachers, homework, and making friends. You could try to learn more about the school before starting, getting into a study routine, and meeting new friends while keeping old ones, you’ll feel more confident and ready.

Your problem is caused by this reason: If you change schools, you are not as good. I saw that you are nervous about managing new things like the schedule, the rules, and new teachers. If you can't organize yourself, you will be disorganised. It can feel confusing and stressful at first. You probably should try to explore your new school before your first day. Check the school website, ask older students questions, or even visit if it is possible. When you know what’s coming, it feels less scary, and you’ll feel ready for it. By knowing more about the school you want, the more you will be prepared. So if you explored more about the school, you would be more prepared.

Another problem that is worrying you is the homework, that it will be too much or that you’ll fail. This problem is actually caused by this thought: If I can't do the homework, I'm not good. I think you should start practicing good study habits now. Set a regular time for homework and don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help. If you want you could ask other people to help you with it, like friends and parents. Doing this you will feel less worried. 

Here I found another problem that you have : Feeling nervous about a new school is normal. You can manage it by: managing new things, keeping up with homework worries, and taking care of friendship concerns. The best thing to do is to try joining clubs or talking to people who like the same things you do. Smile, say hi, and start small conversations. Another possibility is to keep in touch with your old friends too, like sending texts , calling them, or setting up meetings. This would help you feel supported and not lonely.

To sum up, feeling nervous about a new school is normal. You take care of it by: managing new things, keeping homework up to date, and taking care of friendship concerns; some other possibility could be to take deep breaths when you feel anxious to feel better, seriously this is medically suggested. I really hope this advice helps you with your problems, that everything goes well and ok.

Best wishes,

Y7 - Antonio P