The transition to high school

Posted on 5 January 2016

Helping your child cope with the changes that come with starting high school can be challenging. We look at possible problems and suggest some ways to help your kids handle the primary to high school shift.

Rife with social and academic challenges, moving from being the kings and queens of the playground to the young newbies of the school is not for the fainthearted. According to CP de Jager, an educational and counselling psychologist at Mediclinic Emfuleni in Vanderbijlpark, the shift from primary to high school can be complicated.

Study problems
‘The high school phase can be an exciting and wonderful time in a child’s life but look out for the pitfalls,’ warns CP. ‘Study problems can result when the child finds the adjustment from primary to high school difficult with many learners’ marks decreasing by 20% to 30%.’

Low marks can potentially initiate a negative cycle. ‘Underachievement is currently one of the biggest problems faced by high school learners, with approximately 20% of learners experiencing learning difficulties, while 60% can be said to experience study problems,’ says CP. Learning difficulties are often experienced by children with poor concentration ability – mainly suffering from hyperactivity or Attention Deficit Disorder – whereas study problems occur when learners are unsure of how to plan their time productively.

Study problems can also result from factors that arise within the new high school environment. ‘The wrong school or subject choice, classes that are too big and changing schools often can also have a detrimental affect on studies,’ says CP. Underachievement can also lead to emotional problems. ‘A vicious circle where underachievement leads to low self-esteem, pressure from parents and teachers and feelings of failure which can sometimes result in aggression and general conduct disorder often results,’ says CP.

Coping mechanisms
Addressing high school adjustment difficulties and study problems early on can limit the negative impact on your child. Ways to offset or cope with adjustment difficulties include:
– Having a well-rounded routine. This can help with the socialising and learning process when your child starts high school. ‘Research has shown that balanced learners, who also participate in sports and cultural activities, achieve better academically,’ says CP. However, be aware that too much pressure from parents can result in poor parent/child relationships so let your child decide which activities appeal to them.
– Get informed. Parents can also assist by familiarising themselves with the school’s processes and expectations and by helping their children structure their study time efficiently in accordance with expectations.
– Seek professional help. ‘We offer a full assessment of an individual child’s potential, study attitude and habits to contribute to a better understanding of the child’s aptitude and interests and to help them improve their study attitudes and habits, thereby allowing them to achieve their full potential,’ explains CP.