Supporting your child’s move to online secondary school (and why it’s such a great choice)

Anxieties are a common companion on any new adventure. While some manage their worries more visibly than others, everyone experiences them, reinforcing that they’re simply nature’s way of equipping you for what lies ahead.

To best soothe any nerves that may be lurking around, discovering what lies ahead can be incredibly beneficial. Being aware of what secondary school is like can really help your mind from wandering, allowing you to focus on the excitement part (which is way more fun!). In this guide, my aim is to arm you with some key information to help with that process — especially when it comes to starting secondary school online.

Embracing the adventure

Transitioning from primary to secondary comes with a set of new experiences and opportunities. At King’s InterHigh’s middle school, there is a fantastic learning platform that the children log into each day.

I like to think of logging on in the morning as the equivalent of walking through the school gates. You log in, and the world of King’s InterHigh opens up. Here, you can explore core academic subjects like maths, English, and science, alongside exciting additional subjects such as art, drama, and computer science. This diverse curriculum allows students to discover new interests and talents, and this is all part of the adventure of secondary learning.

Organisation also becomes more important when children start Year 7, as students are given increasing independence to manage their own studies.

Our learning platform functions similarly to an old-school planner by displaying students’ timetables, offering friendly reminders of upcoming lessons — ideal for those needing a little assistance with organisation. Designed to aid transition, the platform includes features such as a “To-Do List”, which helps students prioritise tasks, stay organised, and adjust to middle school life.

The “To-Do List” also alerts students to any pending assignments. As you can imagine, students often ask about the amount of homework they’ll receive (a question that would have topped my list at that age too). However, rest assured that teachers strike a careful balance between easing students into middle school expectations and providing challenges that foster independent learning skills and academic growth.

Making friends in an online environment

A common adjustment for students to make when starting secondary or middle school is making new friends. Whether your child is starting secondary in-person or online, it’s likely that they’ll be going to different school to most or all of their primary pals.

At King’s InterHigh, we offer a unique blend of virtual and real-world experiences to foster friendships and help make the adjustment as smooth as possible. We provide an innovative virtual reality world and our Viva Engage social platform, enabling students to interact, collaborate on projects, and form lasting friendships in a safe, monitored environment. These platforms foster a sense of community by allowing students to join interest-based communities, such as music, anime, pets, and sports, connecting them with peers worldwide.

Tutors also create lots of opportunities for students in their tutor groups to share interests and hobbies and get chatting to create those lifelong bonding moments. Additionally, our online school offers real-world experiences like theatre trips, bonding days, and project weeks, allowing students to meet face-to-face, share experiences, and create lasting memories. The bonding day falls early in the first term of the academic year so that children can make those connections early on, which really supports the adjustment into middle school.

Here is what King’s InterHigh student Henrietta had to say about the bonding day she attended in Year 7.

Staying fit and healthy online

Adolescence is a critical period for children’s physical growth and development. The secondary school years are also an important time for students to begin learning about the importance of health and wellness, building habits that will keep them energetic throughout their lives.

While PE may not be a major concern if your child is going to a traditional secondary school, many parents worry about staying active online. However, attending an online school doesn’t mean sacrificing your physical health. At King’s InterHigh, we integrate exercise and mindfulness into our assemblies, ensuring students maintain a healthy balance.

We encourage students to engage in regular physical activities, whether at home or in local parks, through online workout sessions, yoga classes, or dance routines, as these not only enhance physical health but also boost concentration and overall well-being.

The middle school timetable is designed to include breaks in the day to accommodate exercise. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness practices like deep breathing, meditation, and journaling into daily routines can significantly reduce stress and improve focus. Our assemblies often include mindfulness sessions, equipping students with effective stress management tools.

Pursuing your passions

One of the greatest advantages of online learning is the flexibility it offers. Secondary school often demands a busier schedule than primary school, and some children may find that they don’t have as much time to fit their passions around their homework.

At King’s InterHigh, however, our flexible learning model is build to allow students to pursue hobbies and interests alongside their academic studies. Whether you’re passionate about performing arts, coding, or playing a sport, there’s time put aside in the day to hone your skills and explore new talents. This balance between academics and personal interests facilitates well-rounded development, preparing students for future success.

We believe it’s important to foster creativity and give children time to explore what they love. That’s why we offer over 100 different extra-curricular clubs that can help spark a new intertest or help to find a community of friends who also love what they love.

I highly recommend getting involved in a club of some kind to any Year 7 who has just started secondary school as it is a great way to pursue your passion, learn a new skill, make new friends and do fun stuff!

Why consider online learning at this stage?

Online learning at King’s InterHigh offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for secondary education:

• Flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace, accommodating different learning styles and schedules. You can be anywhere with an internet connection and still receive a world-class education — how marvellous is that?!
• Diverse curriculum: With a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities, students can tailor their education to suit their interests and goals.
• Global community: Connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, broadening your perspective and understanding of the world.
• Safe and supportive environment: Our learning platform is secure, and our dedicated staff provide continuous support to ensure every student thrives.

Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone, filled with opportunities for growth and discovery. At King’s InterHigh, we are committed to making this journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. Whether you’re considering online learning or attending an in-person school, remember that this is an adventure, and your teachers are here to guide you every step of the way. Embrace the challenges and pursue your passions because the world is yours to explore!