For teens, each new academic year marks a step up in their learning journey – pushing them to develop their skills, knowledge and independence.
The transition can be daunting, with a recent study revealing around 70% of teens feel pressured by schoolwork.
Here, we dig into the expectations teens face at different learning levels and share our advice on how to support and set them up for success.
Helping them embrace independence and new challenges
With each year, there’s more pressure on your teen to be more autonomous and self-motivated at school.
The expectation to be more independent grows in secondary school, where the transition from GCSEs to A-Levels comes with added pressures and the responsibility of making choices that will shape their future career paths.
Understandably, these challenges can lead to feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and the fear of falling behind.
As a parent, one of the most helpful things you can do is be a solid source of support. Tuning into how they might be feeling and being there to listen when things seem too much can make a big difference.
Here are some other key ways you can support them through times of change:
1. Help them stick to a routine
A consistent routine provides stability and will help your teen feel more in control when things are changing. Help them create a daily schedule that includes dedicated study time, but also other healthy habits like exercise and relaxation.
This consistency can help to take the edge off the stress that comes with adjusting to a higher level of learning.
2. Check in with them (without pressurising)
There’s no need to grill your teen about their progress. Just try to have open conversations with them about the subjects they’re studying and how they’re finding them.
Encourage them to share their experiences, challenges, and wins. Open conversations like these can help you better understand their attitude to school.
3. Remind them that finding things difficult is normal
Explain that it’s completely normal to struggle with certain subjects, topics or areas – no one is good at everything!
Here are some tell-tale signs that your teen might be struggling and needs extra support:
- They’re reluctant to talk about school
- Their attitude to school has suddenly changed
- They’re getting very stressed when doing homework or it’s taking them more time than usual
- They’re not sleeping or eating well
- Their grades are slipping
It’s helpful to emphasise that there’s no shame in asking for support from their teachers or a tutor.
In fact, their ability to identify when they need help is a big strength! Catching issues early will also help to prevent learning gaps later on.
Navigating different learning levels
Understanding the expectations at different learning levels is key to providing guidance and support.
1. Key Stage 3 (KS3)
During years 7-9, your teen will be introduced to a more diverse range of subjects. They’ll develop a good understanding of key subjects like Maths, Science and English and in their final year, start prepping for choosing GCSEs.
Focus on helping them develop good study habits and time management skills. It’s also helpful to encourage exploration and curiosity.
2. GCSEs
The jump to GCSEs means not only a higher level of work but they’ll also start working towards multiple exams for the first time.
You can help them be more disciplined when it comes to their study schedule, and create effective revision timetables before the exam period. Remind them that consistent effort beats last-minute cramming every time!
3. A-Levels
More demanding than GCSEs, A-Levels require deeper critical thinking and independent research. They’ll deepen their knowledge of existing subjects and get to try completely new ones like Psychology and Law.
Guide your teen in managing their time effectively, especially when juggling multiple subjects. Encourage them to seek out additional resources and support – you might want to consider a tutor to boost their learning and prevent them falling behind.
4. Preparing to leave school
The transition to leaving school can be overwhelming. Help your child research potential career paths and educational opportunities. Encourage them to set long-term goals – check out our guide to effective goal setting for more advice.
How can a tutor help?
A tutor can help your child level up, without the stress. Our tutors have recently gone through the same academic journey and exams and can provide helpful insights and support.
They understand the challenges your teen faces and can offer personalised help in specific subjects. Tutors can your teen get ahead of knowledge gaps, plus they can provide a safe space for questions they might not be as comfortable to ask in a classroom setting.
Add to this, tutors also make excellent mentors and role models for teens looking to step up.
The takeaway
As the new academic year begins, you play an important role in guiding your child through the transition and adapting to higher levels of learning.
By being a solid source of support and keeping an eye on how they’re feeling and behaving you can help them thrive!
And remember, it’s not all about academic achievements. It’s also about nurturing resilience, curiosity and a love for learning that will help your teen well beyond their school years.
Want to help your teen level up? Our tutors can help them get ahead of new challenges and feel happier and more confident at school. Find the right tutor for them here.