What to expect (and do) as a child goes from primary to secondary school? 16 Jul 2022 Daniel Curry, Director & Principal, Vega Schools

During my travels in international education, I’ve been exposed to a variety of cultures. There are some similarities across cultures, but there are also differences in how school is viewed and how child-rearing happens.

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Develop children socially and emotionally

We know that as children grow, they become more self-aware and independent. We revel in seeing our little ones take their first steps, go to their first school, and read their first book. In the schools in Gurgaon, and elsewhere in the country, attention is paid to social-emotional development along with academics. These initial stages of growth support students to become the best version of themselves. 

Follow what is taught in class and engage at home

In primary school, both parents and teachers provide support or scaffolding for the students. They are helped to learn organizational skills as parents check class assignments, follow what is being taught in class, and engage the students at home. Parents spend time going through backpacks, notes from the teacher, and giving hands-on assistance. Students need a great deal of help with projects and obtaining home resources.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Give opportunities to practice organizational skills

As students grow, those supports should be slowly removed. Students should be given opportunities to practice organizational skills. Rather than doing things for children, parents should assist the child in their accomplishment of the tasks.

The transition from primary to secondary is a challenge for both students and parents. It is a coming-of-age watershed moment that signifies a step from childhood to adolescence. The top Gurgaon schools ensure the transition is smooth and the students are prepared.

Remove supports

This preparation happens over time. It must be planned for as supports are slowly removed, rather than a quick removal of support. By the time students move into secondary school, they should have developed the necessary organizational skills, self-motivation, time management, and attention to detail needed for success.

Step back and let children grow

Parents should expect that teachers at this level will deal directly with the students first and foremost. This is a time when parents struggle to feel like they are out of the loop. They no longer know every detail of what’s happening at school in every class. It is important for parents to step back and allow their children to grow and mature.

Understand their need for space

Additionally, parents must also expect physical and emotional changes at this level. The relationship will also grow; parents shouldn’t fear this or try to prevent it. Students will become more interested in their friends and schoolmates rather than spending time with their family. They will be less forthcoming about everything happening in their personal lives, which includes school. Don’t worry, this is normal and indicates your child is merely growing up!

Remember that a school is a place for learning, and students learn by trying, making mistakes, forgetting things, and understanding consequences. These important lessons will serve them throughout their life. If parents seek to prevent their children from ever making a mistake, they are robbing them of significant personal growth and development.

The best schools in Gurgaon work to establish good relationships and communication with parents. They also ask parents to recognize they won’t have the same level of direct influence and awareness over their child’s secondary school experience as they had in primary. Let the child grow independently and become mature, responsible, and self-motivated young adults.

For more information on the above subject, write to us at info@vega.edu.in.