Starting a new school comes with a great mix of new feelings; some good and some not so great. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) offers some helpful advice.

Moving schools

Some children who learn with the International Primary Curriculum move schools a lot. That is because they have to move around with their mum or dad’s job. This can even mean moving to a new school in a new country. Now, that can be extra tough because you have to fit in with a different language and culture as well as with new teachers and new classmates. But it can also be very exciting as you are making new and interesting friends from all over the world.

Even if you’re just changing to a new school in the same country, you will go through the experiences of having to find your way, meet new teachers and make new friends. 

In the first few days

There are some things that you can do before you join the school, or in your first days, that might help. Here are some suggestions:

Find out if there is a ‘buddy’ system in your new school where you can pair up with someone already at the school who has similar interests or experiences to you. 

Ask about clubs and after school activities that are available and the days that they are held. Try to find out who in your new school already attends the clubs you are interested in, and see if you can contact them to find out more (and make friends too!). If you have any particular interests such as music or sport, find out when choir auditions are going to be held or when trials will take place for the sports teams.

Find out about the themes that your class will be learning for the upcoming year and the set reading books for your class.

Read the school handbook, old newsletters or look through the school website where you’ll learn a lot about the people and the fun learning activities that go on at your new school. There may also be a pupil section on the website or a dedicated Facebook page for pupils.

Settling in

During the first few weeks at your new school, here are some tips for settling in quickly:

Try to enjoy meeting new friends and finding your way around the school. 

Don’t put pressure on yourself to find one best friend. Take your time and try to have a wide circle of friends. Your buddy doesn’t have to be your best friend; your buddy is there to guide and help you and will be there to answer any questions when you need a helping hand.

Your new teacher can help you with many things, especially anything you need to know about what you’ll be learning. If you don’t feel confident enough to ask something, see if there is a ‘questions’ box in your class where you are able to write down what you need to know.

Find out if there is a friendship bench or area of the playground you can go to when you feel that you’d like to talk to someone.

Join an after school club and find out where your classmates go after school. If there is something that you’d particularly like to do, see if you are able to sign up for it.

If you have something of interest to contribute to a theme that you will be learning about in class, take it into school to share with your teacher and classmates.

Enjoy the adventure of your new school. You never know what exciting opportunities are waiting for you there!

Find out more…

The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is used in schools in 64 countries around the world including almost 1,000 schools in the UK. It is a fun, creative, exciting and challenging way to learn and helps you to learn with your friends and about the way children live and learn all over the world. If you would like to know more about the IPC, go to: www.internationalprimarycurriculum.com