1. You and your feelings Anxieties about school

2. How did you feel on your first day of school? How do you feel about school now?

3. When you start a new school, it is quite natural to feel nervous. Everything can seem strange at first. People are unsure where to go and what to do if they get lost.

4. There are a number of things you can do to help yourself settle in at Beauchamps

5. 1. 1. Learn the layout – Look at your school map and try to work out how to get from one classroom to another

6. 2. Keep calm – Don’t panic if things go wrong.

7. 3. Think ahead - Each evening make a list of all the things you need. Before you leave next day look at the list to check that you have everything you need.

8. 4. Study the school rules – Know the rules (that way you will avoid getting into trouble)

9. 5. 5. Check out what to do in a crisis – Find out what you should do if things go wrong. Usually it will be your form tutor in the first instance.

10. 6. Share your worries – If you are really worried about something, don’t keep it to yourself. Ask your form tutor, or tell your parents/guardian what’s worrying you.

11. IN PAIRS 1.Look 1.Look at the school rules and answer these questions: a.What a.What are the rules about leaving the premises during school hours? b.What b.What are the rules about wearing school uniform? c.What c.What items are not allowed to be brought to school? 2. Write a list of advice that you would give to someone starting school to make life easier for them.

12. Students with problems. Look at the possible problems and decide what you should do. Which of the problems would you report to – form tutor, Head of Year, Student Reception, Somebody else. I feel too ill to go to my next lesson. I’ve lost my school Blazer I’ve forgotten to bring my dinner money I accidently broke a window I’ve come in late and missed registration The teacher keeps picking on me I’ve forgotten to tell my parents that I am staying behind after school for the drama club I am having problems completing all my homework

13. Students with problems. In Pairs – Here are some other students talking about their anxieties at school. “ I don’t like having to do role plays in front of the class in Drama lessons” “I worry about what will happen if I do the wrong thing during a science experiment” “I’m clumsy and I’m always anxious that I will make a fool of myself during PE.” Discuss the advice you would give these pupils to reassure them and to help them with their anxieties.

14. Dealing with feelings Don’t bottle up your worries. Getting advice on how with your problems. Here are three letters from worried people, and some advice given to them.

15. I feel rejected I feel rejected. My best friend from primary school is in another class and she has made friends with another girl. We always used to meet up after school and at weekends. Now she has made it clear that she doesn't want me around any more. She says that I am boring and she’s not interested in the things I want to do. What have I done wrong? You haven’t done anything wrong, but it is a shock when you find that you no longer have much in common with someone who’s been your best friend. As you grow up you will find that people’s interests change. Try to stay on friendly terms with her if you can and find new friends that you do have things in common with. BUT don’t try to hang onto her friendship if she has made it absolutely clear she wants no more to do with you. Getting dumped by a friend is always hurtful, but it’s not the end of the world.

16. I’ve no confidence I have always been quite shy – in fact all my family are pretty quiet – but now it is causing me problems. I never join in with anything and everyone seems to have more fun than me. How do people think of funny things to say? When someone speaks to me I keep my head down because I am so shy. I’ve no confidence There is nothing wrong with being shy. It's no joke, though, being so self-conscious that you cannot join with others or enjoy yourself. Wise up and stop imagining that everyone is watching you, waiting to criticise, laugh, find fault. They are not. Most people are too wrapped up in themselves to bother about others. The next time someone speaks to you, fight the impulse to turn away. Meet their eyes, smile and listen to what they are saying. Each day practice chatting to somebody new – a teacher, the kid next door, a pupil from a different primary school etc. slowly you will gather the confidence to join in with your mates, speak out in class, even start a conversation with someone new. You can do it – starting from now.

17. I can’t get over my Grandad. Six months ago my Grandad died. We were very close, and I used to see him most days. I miss him so much. He was the only person I could talk to about my problems. He’d always listen. I’ve tried to be strong but get very upset and tearful when I think about him. At first my parents were sympathetic and helped me cope with my feelings. But now they get irritated with me. They say it’s about time I stopped moping and pull myself together. Please help me. I don’t know what to do. I am so miserable. It takes time to get over the death of someone close to you. At first, people understand and offer you support, but as time goes by you may be expected to come to terms with your loss and get on with your life. This is not always possible and dealing with grief, on your own, is very hard indeed. Don’t be too hard on your parents. I’d guess that your tears simply bring to the surface their own pain at a time when they are trying to get their own feelings under control and move on. You may be able to talk to friends, but talking to outsiders may help too – call CRUSE Bereavement Care Helpline on 0181 332 7227 for support and understanding. CRUSE can arrange counselling to help you come to terms with your grief.

18. In groups Discuss the problems these three people are having and the advice that is given to them. Talk about what you have learnt from the advice and how to deal with rejection, grief and shyness