Supporting First-Year Students: The Key to Thriving in Secondary School

Supporting 1st Year Students Succeed

Transitioning from primary to secondary school is an exciting milestone for young students, but it can also be overwhelming.A new school, new responsibilities, and the challenge of making friends often leave first-years feeling stressed as they try to find their place in this unfamiliar environment.


Many students adapt socially but still struggle with learning, especially after their first exams highlight gaps in study skills like note-taking, memory retention, and managing workload. At the heart of our work is a genuine passion for supporting first-years, helping them develop the tools and habits they need to thrive academically and build confidence for a positive, successful journey through school.

3 Practical Tips for First-Years to Study Effectively

1. Create a Thoughtful Timetable

Tutor Time: Help students map out their week by understanding key deadlines, the goals they want to achieve, and the steps needed to get there. A clear timetable ensures they stay on top of their workload while breaking tasks into manageable chunks.

2. Teach Effective Study Methods

Introduce simple but powerful techniques to make studying more productive during note taking in class. Teach students how to identify important information in their notes, use tools like bullet points & flashcards to support active recall, and create mind maps in class to connect ideas visually. Starting with these basics builds a strong foundation for effective learning.

3. Strike a Balance

Remember, a good timetable isn’t just about study time—it’s about balance. Encourage and advocate for students to include enough time for sleep, socializing with friends, and unwinding after a busy day. A well-rounded schedule helps maintain mental resilience and keeps learning sustainable.

 The most important thing we can do is manage expectations and prioritise supporting students in meeting the new secondary school standards. Remember, knowing how to study isn’t common sense—it’s a skill that takes time and practice to develop. 

While end-of-term exam results can be a challenging time for some students, but it’s also an opportunity to provide the tools and encouragement they need to build confidence and develop a positive relationship with school and learning.

How we can help

We’re passionate about helping first-year students thrive as they navigate secondary school.

We aim to set them up for a successful and enjoyable journey through secondary school—and beyond.

Contact us today to give your student the support they need to shine!

Our workshop aims to:

  • To provide an opportunity for first years to understand how learning happens.
  • To enable first years to choose effective learning skills and strategies for class and at home.
  • To build capacity and confidence with first years in their ability to succeed.
  •  To provide first-year students with the foundations of good study habitsEnquire

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