Parental Queries or Concerns
Just as it’s hard to know how to achieve the balance between offering your son/daughter too much support or leaving them to flounder or perhaps fail, it is also hard to achieve the balance between becoming the over anxious parent or letting things go on too long because you don’t want to interfere. Some common concerns include:
Not making friends
Many pupils worry about the change in friendship groups which sometimes take place during the move from primary to secondary. To ease this transition, pupils discuss any issues or concerns once a week during Personal & Social Education (PSE). It is policy that pupils have at least one other pupil from the same primary school in their registration class. There are also many extra-curricular activities and events which will allow pupils to meet others and form new friendships. Within lessons, activities are offered to encourage pupil collaboration. There is also a buddy system led by our S6 pupils to support first year pupils who are finding the transition particularly challenging.
Getting lost
Any new location can be a daunting one, and it may take a few weeks for your son/daughter to get their bearings. A map of the school is provided in their homework diary, and for the first few weeks pupils will be supported with S6 helpers who will take them to classes.
Not being able to do the work
With a range of new subjects and academic challenges may come the fear of not being able to complete work. Pupils should, in the first instance, speak directly to their class teacher if they have any concerns regarding their ability to complete tasks. If this fear persists then they may find it useful to talk to their Guidance teacher about their concerns.
Not knowing what to do if there’s a problem
The staff at Irvine Royal Academy take pride in their ability to build positive relationships with pupils, and will always strive to support pupils with their concerns. Pupils may find it helpful to speak to their Guidance teacher. At break and lunch time they can normally be found in the Cafeteria. They may also be in the Guidance offices which are on the first floor.
Concerns can often be alleviated by regularly talking to your son/daughter about how things are at school. This will give you a good idea about how work is going and your child’s general feelings about school, and a basis for deciding whether your intervention is required or not. You know your children best. If any aspect of school life is persistently distressing then err on the side of caution and intervene. By all means talk with your son/daughter, reassure them and try to help them solve the problem themselves. If things do not improve then do not hesitate to contact us.
Contacting the School
Your first point of contact is your son/daughter’s Guidance teacher. If you need to talk to or meet with us for any purpose please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Your son/daughter will receive a Guidance information leaflet when they begin school in August 2018. This introductory flyer will provide more details about your child’s Guidance teacher, how best to contact him/her and the times of the day/week when they are most likely to be available.
The Guidance Team
Mrs Davidson Arran House
Mrs Marwick Bute House
Mrs Clifford Bute House
Mrs Gibson Cumbrae House
Mr A Knox ILP
