There's lots to remember at secondary school – homework assignments, textbooks, moving from classroom to classroom, sports kit – it can sometimes feel difficult to keep on top of everything. If only someone had some tips to help you stay organised and create an amazing secondary school routine… Well, as always, Bitesize has your back!
Content creator and YouTuber Lee Hinchcliffe has been there and, just like you, felt a little overwhelmed with all the demands of school life. So he's been chatting to teacher Chloe and coming up with some top tips to help you. Once you've watched the video, scroll down for some more tips and tricks to help you get into a good school routine.
Chloe: Routine is all about planning your time and being organised. So how was that for you at school, Lee?
Lee: I did slowly figure things out. It’s a lot to manage, and I do remember on my first day I actually ended up in tears because I didn't know where any of the classrooms were. It's just so much to remember.
Lee: Our first question is from Jax in Year 7,who says, how can I remember all the stuff I need?
Chloe: Being organised and remembering the things you need for school is really important, but there are some practical thingsyou can do to help you and make the school day run more smoothly.
Lee: All right, Chloe, tell me more.
Chloe: Well, check your timetable the night before.There can be a lot to remember. So a colour coded version or even a picture version can help.
Lee: Got it.
Chloe: Try to pack your bag the night before. Now, there's a lot of things to remember, so it's important that you have a checklistif you're struggling with those things.
Lee: Checklist. Check.
Chloe: And keep a clear homework planner so you know what homework is due and when.
Lee: I should have done that one.
Chloe: Tell your teachers if you're struggling about where you need to be or when and they can support you.
Lee: Do you have any more tips to help studentsbe more organised at school?
Chloe: Yes, good preparation can help us feel more organised. So avoid looking at our phone before we go to sleep so we get a good night's rest.
Lee: That's a good tip.
Chloe: Wake up with plenty of time so you're not rushing around in the mornings.
Lee: Don’t snooze the alarm.
Chloe: Be tidy. Fold your uniform so you know where it is in the morning.
Lee: The next question is from Amelia in Year 9.
Amelia: If my routine gets a bit off track, I can get a bit stressed about it. What should I do?
Lee: Sometimes things can pile up, or get off track, and other things, such as illnesses or family issues, can really disrupt your routine. So what can you do when that happens?
Chloe: Well, try not to stress. Speak to your form tutor or head of year. They'll be able to advise you how to get back into a positive routine.
Lee: It's all about being proactive, isn't it, and thinking ahead.
Chloe: And these are great skills for life.
Tips to be outstandingly organised
If you've watched our video and are still itching for some extra practical tips and tricks for levelling up your daily routine and boosting your organisational skills, then we've got some more advice for you below.
Tackle those tasks
Be a homework hero – try tackling your tasks on the day they're set. Keeping a clear homework planner will help you stay on top of your homework and helps avoid cramming it into one evening. Lots of schools often ask teachers to stagger due dates across subjects so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. For more advice about handling homework deadlines, check out this guide.
Preparation is key
Try to pack your bag the night before, using your timetable to check you have everything you need for the next day. You’ll most likely need to check you have all your books, homework, stationery and equipment for your lessons. Double check you have all the minimum equipment the school asks you to bring. If you do forget a key piece of equipment, try to be proactive – talk to your teacher in the morning before the lesson and explain the situation. If you're looking for some more timetabling tips, we've got you covered.
School uniform… be tie-dy
Nailing down your uniform routine helps you look as smart as you can be. To avoid wrinkled shirts, fold your uniform neatly when you get home. Keep your tie somewhere safe as it’s easy to lose – maybe stash it in your school shoes so that you can easily find it the next day.
Set an alarm
Quality sleep is key for a successful school day, so hit the sack at a reasonable hour and set an alarm. Rushing only leads to stress, so give yourself lots of time to get ready in the morning.
Talk about it
Sometimes unexpected things can shake up your routine – like being ill, moving house, or family stuff. If something unexpected happens, try not to worry. Talk to your form tutor or head of year about the situation. They’ll be able to advise you on how to get back into a positive routine and can keep your teachers informed if you’re not able to be your usual self for a bit.
Staying organised and having a good school routine can really help you feel on top of things and will help towards making your school experience a more enjoyable one. For more tips to help you up your school game, head to our study skills page.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
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