Cousins

Your cousins are about to go to big school. Write a letter advising them what it will be like changing to big school and the problems they might encounter. You will find some ideas on the next page.

To advise someone is to help them understand or cope with something.

• Point out the difficulties and the benefits. Explain what problems they might have and suggest solutions to those problems.
• Use a kind tone. (Year sevens might be nervous at first)
• Make some anecdote - personal stories told in a few lines. ‘When I was at school I got bullied because...’
• Address your reader directly.

Vocabulary

• You might consider...
• It would be best if...
• I think you might like...
• Don’t worry if you...
• It’s goisg to be...

Here are changes you might experience moving from primary to big (secondary) school. Can you think of any more? Use these notes to write your letter. Select the points you want to use and then write them up in paragraphs.

Points I want to make:

• Big school will be great. Don’t panic. You’ll soon get used to it.
• Remember, all these people were new kids at some time.
• Be confident and know that you’re older now and will soon be able to cope with the long walk around school, the horrendous timetable with different subjects - like chemistry and physics and all that homework!
• Don’t get stressed. Keep calm. Take the opportunity to befriend new people who have been to different schools and have had slightly different experiences.
• If you don’t get on well with someone, there are plenty of other people to befriend.
• Get a suitable lightweight rucksack, with compartments to organise your work into different subjects.
• You’ll soon get used to the routine. Organise your school things so you bring only the things you require every day.
• Your new friends will help you to find your way around.
• Your tutor will also help you if anyone is mean to you or bullies you.
• Always ask for help if you need it.
• Respect the school rules. For example, always wear your school uniform.
• After a few weeks, you will feel like you have been at big school for years.
• It will take time to get used to the changes.
• You’ve been used to primary school where you had:
  • one teacher
  • the same class room, where you remained for most of the day
  • a small class of only 20 children.
• Big school will seem busy. There will be crowds of people of all ages.
• You will have to get to know your way round a huge school, with endless corridors that look the same, when you move to each lesson.
• You will have to get to know where your classrooms are.
• You will have lots of different teachers to help and support you with your work.
• You will have a lot of heavy books to carry round.
• You will be able to join some extra curriculum activities. You can read the school notice board for information on school clubs.
• Your school will give you a homework planner or timetable.
• Your form tutor will be there to help you with any problems.
• Students achieve high levels at this school, because:
  • they work hard
  • the teachers are helpful
  • there are classroom buddies.

Plan your letter. Use these notes:

83 Gilmore Cresecent

Rushford

RG45 3DF

Date

Dear...,

I understand how difficult it can be starting secondary school. Therefore, I thought I’d write to you to set your mind at ease and let you know what you can expect on your first day.

Point 1:...

Point 2:...

Point 3:...

Point 4:...

Conclusion:...

Now write your letter.