Starting secondary school - what to expect

Your child will find secondary school very different from their primary or intermediate school. They’ll need to get used to new routines, new teachers and a new school system.

Here are some of the things they may find different about secondary school:

  • Having a form teacher and different teachers for each subject (instead of one main teacher for all lessons)
  • Getting used to a timetable where lessons for different subjects are held in different classrooms
  • Finding their way to the next class and getting there on time
  • Remembering to bring the right textbooks and gear to each class
  • Having to wear a new uniform, possibly for the first time
  • A longer school day
  • Learning unfamiliar subjects, such as languages
  • More homework.


Content last updated: 21 May 2012