Your Timetable
Students will follow a weekly timetable showing their subjects, teachers and classrooms. It can seem unfamiliar at first, but students quickly become used to the routine.
Incoming First Years
Helping students and families prepare for the move from primary to secondary school.
Starting secondary school is an exciting change. Students will meet new people, experience new subjects, work with different teachers and gradually become more independent in how they organise their school day.
This page brings together practical information and resources to help students and families prepare for the transition to ETSS Wicklow.
What Changes in Secondary School?
Secondary school brings a different routine from primary school. Students move between subjects and classrooms, work with a number of teachers and take greater responsibility for organising themselves throughout the day.
Different Teachers
Instead of one main classroom teacher, students will work with different subject teachers throughout the school day.
New Subjects
First Year gives students the opportunity to experience a wider range of subjects and develop new interests and skills.
More Independence
Students gradually take greater responsibility for their equipment, homework, deadlines and daily organisation.
Getting Organised
Developing a few simple routines early in First Year can make school life considerably easier.
Useful habits
- Check the timetable regularly.
- Keep books, copies and equipment organised by subject.
- Record homework clearly when it is assigned.
- Complete homework in good time rather than leaving it until the last evening.
- Prepare books and equipment for the following day the evening before.
- Label personal belongings where possible.
- Ask a teacher if instructions or expectations are unclear.
For parents and guardians
One of the most useful ways to support the transition is to encourage students to become increasingly responsible for their own organisation.
It is helpful to check in and offer support, while also allowing students to practise managing their timetable, equipment and homework themselves.
Settling into School Life
Starting a new school involves much more than learning a timetable. Students are also getting used to a new environment, meeting new people and finding their place within a larger school community.
Making Friends
Some students arrive with friends from primary school while others know very few people. First Year is an opportunity to form new friendships across the year group.
Getting Involved
Clubs, sport and other activities are a valuable part of school life and are a great way to meet people with similar interests.
Finding Your Feet
It takes time to learn new routines, teacher names, classrooms and expectations. Students should not expect to know everything immediately.
It is Normal to Have Questions
New students often wonder whether they will find their classrooms, understand their timetable, make friends, manage their books or keep up with new subjects.
These concerns are a normal part of starting somewhere new. Students are encouraged to ask questions and speak to a member of staff if they need help.
Homework and Building Good Study Habits
First Year is a good time to begin developing routines that will support learning throughout secondary school.
Start Small
Regular short periods of focused study are more useful than waiting until immediately before a test.
Use Active Learning
Students can make short notes, create flashcards, draw mind maps, practise questions or explain a topic aloud.
Test Yourself
Students should check what they can remember rather than simply reading notes repeatedly.
Return to Previous Work
Revisiting material regularly helps students retain what they have learned and reduces the need for last-minute revision.
School is More Than Study
Homework and study are important, but so are friendships, family, sport, creativity, rest and activities outside the classroom.
Developing a healthy routine means learning how to balance these different parts of life rather than allowing one to take over completely.
First Year Resources
These resources from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors provide further information for students and families preparing for and adjusting to secondary school.
Transition to Secondary School
A guide covering the practical and emotional aspects of moving from primary to secondary school, including organisation, homework, friendships and settling into a new environment.
1st Year Study Guidelines
A detailed guide to developing study habits, organising learning, taking notes, revising and becoming a more independent learner.
Need Support?
Students should speak to a member of staff if they are finding any aspect of the transition difficult. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to contact the school where there is information that may help us support a student effectively.