2. Going to Secondary School
Nervous
Excited
Growing up
Independence
Getting lost
More to learn
New friends
Missing old friends/teachers
Too big!
Interesting lessons
Children have lots of different feelings about secondary school.
Most report a mixture of being nervous and excited.
All of these feelings are normal.
Which are like you?

3. What does it feel like when you do something new?
Think how you feel just before you do something new
If you love roller coasters you might feel really excited.
If you have never been on one before you might feel nervous.
What about going to a new club like drama which you have always wanted to do?
Being in a school play, or moving house or school?
The biggest feeling usually comes just before you do something new. This is when some people may feel a panic. Facing your fear means you will learn to overcome it
The more we do the new thing and the more we know about it the better we feel

4. Think of all the new things you have done so far!
You have changed a lot already since first starting school.
You may have felt worried or nervous before doing new things.
You may just have felt excited.
Sometimes it may have gone wrong but by now you are learning things that help.
Can you think of anything you thought you could not do or were worried about but turned out okay or better?

5. Hopes and Fears
This is what we know about children’s hopes and fears about secondary school from research.
Do you agree? What are yours?

6. What works when people are worried?
Talking to someone
Planning
Taking small steps
Checking things out/asking questions
Give yourself time

7. The feelings usually get better
Research tell us that most children feel settled in their new school after the first term.
Most have made new friends and are enjoying new subjects.
They feel more independent and like that they get to do more things on their own
Things will probably be okay!
But remember to let an adult or friend know
if things don’t feel okay.
Handout from UCL
Tough Times leaflet