There is a big difference between high school and primary school – and the transition can be difficult.
There is a big difference between high school and primary school – and the transition can be difficult.
Grocott's Mail asked Nombulelo Principal Mthuthuzeli Koliti for tips for pupils starting high school this year.
"Those who come from primary school in their early teens – like 14-years-olds – come into high school confused, because it is a difficult stage. "High school is totally different from primary school," Koliti said.
"They will be put together with older kids who can easily influence them.
"I think this is why it's so important for parents to sit their children down and talk to them when they are about to start high school," said Koliti.
He said it is important for parents to prepare their children for what they are likely to come across in high school.
"It's not just a matter of getting them there physically: you need to emotionally prepare them for what they are about to experience," he said. "Whereas they were seniors in primary school, in high school they are likely to feel small.
So there is a bit of confusion there which can lead to all sorts of problems." Koliti feels it is important also for parents to ask their children about their first day at school.
"Ask them ‘how was your day?' "And you must listen to them and be careful not to say something that will shut them down.
Because it will be difficult for the child to open up to you."
He says it is important for parents to know the child's class teacher.
"If you establish a relationship with them, it will help the teacher in return to understand behaviour of your child."
Koliti said at his school they are very strict about initiation.
"If they do it they are very secretive about it," he said. "It is important also for parents to tell us if they find out that their child is teased or made uncomfortable by others.
That is why I said it is important for parents to keep that communication going with their children, so they can be open about what happened at school," Koliti said.
He discouraged the trend of switching to a new high school late in a child's school career.
"It is important for them to start at Grade 8 and not to bring them in midstream in Grade 10."
