The Anchor

From the Leadership Team

Moving On Up 

It is wonderful to welcome our new students into our community at the start of the school year. For them and their parents, this is a significant change that requires careful planning, open communication, and effective support.  

 

While we invest much of energy into managing the transition of our Year 7s and other new students into Endeavour, it must be said that the beginning of the school year is a transition year for all of our students, as they move up to a new year level and experience the academic and social ‘step up’ that comes with it.  

 

The start of a new school year can be exciting for our students, as they re-connect and re-establish their daily contact with friends. For many, a new school year also brings opportunities for a fresh start, and a re-set of social and learning goals. For some, it is a time of elevated nerves and fear of the unknown.  

 

The pastoral structure at Endeavour is designed to support and care for all students, especially at times like this when they may need a champion, guide or mentor. Students themselves and their parents can also employ strategies to manage transition nerves and worries. Here are some that can help: 

For Students  

  1. Set Goals for the Term or Year: 

    Set academic and personal goals at the beginning of each term or year. This provides direction and motivation to handle new challenges. 

  2. Organise and Prioritise: 

    Decide which kind of planner or calendar can help manage assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities.  

  3. Build a Support Network: 

    Be pro-active about establishing positive relationships with teachers and peers. This is your support network when you need it!  

  4. Develop Strong Study Habits: 

    A new year will no doubt bring an increase in your workload. Learning how to study effectively, stay focused and stay on top of assignments early on can help with the transition. 

  5. Adjust to Academic Expectations: 

    Year-to-year, the level of difficulty often increases. You should expect the expectations to rise and be ready to put in more effort. It's important to ask for help when needed. 

  6. Stay Active: 

    Balance schoolwork with extracurricular activities (at or outside of school). This will help you to manage stress and build a sense of community. 

For Parents  

  1. Stay Involved, but Give Space: 

    Strike a balance between staying engaged with your child’s learning and allow them to take more responsibility as they grow older. Regularly check in with teachers and attend school information events to stay informed. 

  2. Communicate Openly: 

    Encourage open discussions about the challenges and successes of transitioning to a new year level.  

  3. Promote Independence: 

    Support your child’s independence by helping them develop problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and self-advocacy skills. Being able to handle difficult situations independently will ease transitions and improve confidence. 

  4. Support Their Mental and Emotional Health: 

    The social and emotional changes that accompany transitioning between year levels can be tough. Encourage your child to use the support of their Care Group teacher or one of our counsellors.  

  5. Provide Resources: 

    Help your child by providing academic support at home if you can (without doing the work for them), especially if they’re struggling. Encourage your child to reach out to their class teachers if they are struggling. Teachers may make a referral to the Inclusive Education team if appropriate.  

  6. Monitor Their Workload: 

    Help your child stay on top of assignments and projects by helping them to track due dates for assignments and tests. Canvas allows you and your child to see due dates. Stay on top of how your child is managing their workload at home and intervene if you think homework is either nonexistent or overwhelming. You might like to let the relevant teacher know.  

It is important we all celebrate the wins and milestones – be they social or academic – for our young people. Flexibility is also essential, as is patience (by the bucket-load). 

 

Teenage hood is rarely smooth sailing all of the time, and the start of the year can be stormy. And finally, remember that communication between the College and home is key. 

 

We are in this together!  

 

Louisa Mulligan

Head of Middle School