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BEING PREPARED​

It is important that you are prepared for your first few days. You will need to make sure that you have everything you need and that you are ready for the exciting challenges ahead. Here are some tips that can help you on your first day and make sure you are prepared.

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• Buy an alarm clock. Most secondary schools start at earlier than primary schools so if you have a long journey, you may have an early start.

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• Always eat some breakfast, even if you feel nervous. It’s a long time until lunch.

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• Put in plenty of practice at tying your tie. You’ll need to be able to do it at speed and under pressure (ie, after PE) and in a range of styles (long and thin, short and wide...). Then practise putting it on and taking it off without undoing it.

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• If you’re wearing a blazer for the first time, don’t let your mum buy it too big. You will need to use your hands.

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• If you’re worried about the uniform (skirt v trousers?), take a trip to the school before the summer holidays and check out what everyone else is wearing.

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• If you’ll need to use a travel pass, make sure you apply for it in plenty of time – it may take a couple of weeks to come through, so don’t leave it until the end of the holidays. And make sure there’s money on it if you need it.

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• Work out your route to school, whether you’re walking or taking public transport. Practise until you’re confident and time yourself. Also, make sure you have an alternative route in case of problems with transport or people you want to avoid. If it helps, draw a map.

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• Buy a very big, very strong bag. You will have loads to carry. And that’s not counting the days when you’ll have your PE kit. Girls, don’t be tempted to buy a handbag – they’re fashionable but they really won’t last.

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• If you can, find a friend to walk with on your first day. Things won’t seem so daunting if you can go with someone.​

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• Work out how you’ll be paying for your lunch – if it’s a card or fingerprint system, make sure you’re topped up for your first day.