7 Tips for Starting Year 7
Many students feel apprehensive about starting Year 7, but there isn’t much to worry about - everyone is in the same position. If you are nervous, read through these 7 tips:
Set Expectations
This year your cohort will be made up of students from all sorts of different primary schools. Each student will have their own unique set of skills and weaknesses, even more than usual. Don’t worry if you seem to struggle at something more than your classmates; there will be things that you’re better at too! Year 7 is all about catching up and levelling out the cohort.
Aim For Skills, Not Grades
Now that you’re at high school, you might be tempted to think that your grades are super important, but until you reach year 11, grades shouldn’t be what you focus on. In year 7, focus on developing study skills: writing notes, starting assignments early, doing independent research, asking for help, reading the textbook, managing your own homework load, and we could go on. These skills will be easier to develop early on in high school while your workload is lower. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed in Year 10 to make your first calendar!
Make Friends
It’s easiest to make friends with people who also need more friends - like everyone in Year 7. Everyone will be looking for like-minded peers, so ask people to sit with you at lunch time - or for you to sit with them, join clubs that interest you, and chat to whoever’s next to you in class (preferably not when your teacher is talking). Feel free to try out lots of different groups and get to know lots of different people; there’s no need to stick with the first person you meet.
Make More Friends!
High school is going to have some friend-group drama sooner or later. It’s best to have at least 2 different groups of friends so that if drama’s going on in one, the other one can support you through it. Some options for different groups include: the group you sit with at lunch, your sports team (soccer, netball, debating, etc.), an interest-based club (chess club, anime club, etc.), or friends from outside of school (your primary school friends, online gaming friends, neighborhood friends, etc.). Having multiple groups of friends will give you a greater sense of security and give you the option to leave a friend group behind if it becomes unhelpful.
Enjoy Co-Curriculars
Depending on your school, you might have access to some pretty whacky activities. Ever wanted to team up with your friends and Write a Book in a Day (WABIAD)? What about flexing your logic and imagination with Future Problem Solving (FPS)? How about some unusual sports like Water Polo, Orienteering, or Diving? Now is the perfect time to widen your horizons and try new things. Lots of people will be trying new activities this year so you can take comfort in being surrounded by other newbies.
Make a Good Impression on Your Teachers
Being on your teachers’ good side is a huge advantage when it comes to having fun at school. Teachers have the ability to offer you unique opportunities (and let you hand in your homework late), so pays to be in good stead. This doesn’t mean you need to suck up to your teachers or become the classroom policeperson, all you need to do is pay attention, try your best, and occasionally put your hand up to help out (cleaning the whiteboard, handing out worksheets, and rearranging the desks are common tasks your teacher might ask for help with).
Notice What You Enjoy
Subject selection may feel a long way away, but as you move up through high school you’ll take fewer and fewer subjects. Now’s the time to see what subjects you like the most. Certain HSC subjects will branch out from broader subjects you’ll take this year; for example, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (and maybe more like Environmental Science, or General Science depending on your school) will arise from your current “Science” subject. The same goes for Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern History which come from “History”. Notice which topics in which subjects are the most interesting to you and make sure to keep choosing those subjects as your electives.
If you’ve got more worries or questions about Year 7, your school probably has a Year 7 Coordinator, a buddy program, or someone else you can talk to. If you have a tutor, they are also a great person to consult for advice on all aspects of school. Last but not least, don’t overthink it and have fun!