It’s a new term and summer is over, and it’s time for another year at school. After a long break, it can be difficult to get back into the school mindset, and to not only get back into the mindset in September but carry this mindset through to July. Students can follow a few tips to make the most out of school, and parents should pass these tips on to their school age children.
Pack your bags the night before starting school, and to have an early bedtime.
Not only does it mean you or your child isn’t scrambling to pack just before you need to leave, but it also places you into the “school” mindset the night before, which is especially important before a Monday so you aren't stuck in the weekend. This can help to switch off weekend mindset and regain the focus of school thinking.
If you are in an entry point year (Year 7 or 12) to be open to making new friends.
This applies to all years, but especially at entry points where lots of new students will start the school. So many new students is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn new perspectives. So don’t stick to one or two best friends - while it is good to have best friends, it’s also good to hang out with new people.
Ensure a healthy eating and sleeping schedule.
Don’t be awake in the middle of the night looking at social media. In the morning, you or your child will be tired and won’t learn as well. Instead, go to sleep at a sensible hour, and get at least 9 hours of sleep every school night, and ideally also on weekends. Similarly, don’t skip breakfast. Breakfast is an important meal of the day and skipping it will mean that you learn less effectively. It’s also important to consider what you are eating. If you or your child eat healthy food, then it will be a better boost to learning than eating junk food.
Study hard and play hard.
School isn't all bad. It allows participation in new extracurricular clubs and meet new friends. However, it also means hard work. Especially if you or your child are in Year 10 or above, you should have a clear study schedule that ensures that you keep on top of schoolwork, even if it means doing extra work at home on top of homework. If you or your child are in Year 12 or 13, think about time management in free periods - it is better to do homework or study for a test in free periods than to hang out and play games with your friends during this time.
If you follow these tips, you or your child will be a balanced, well rested individual who is making the most of their school life, not only studying at the best of their capability but living a healthy and fulfilling life as well.
