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SCMP Reporter

A NEW school brings new friends. Or would it be more accurate to say, it is a scary place full of strangers?

Getting used to a new environment involves more than finding your way around the campus maze. It is about adopting a new mentality for a different life. Pick the wrong line of thinking, and you can end up feeling miserable.

Here are tips from social workers for anyone in new schools.

Life as young adults

Entering secondary school marks a new stage in your life. You may feel like a young adult. Therefore, you demand more freedom. But your parents might not think so.

To them, you will never be fully grown up, said Peter Cheung Kwok-che, from Caritas Children and Youth Centre.

This difference can lead to clashes, cautioned Andy Ho Wing-cheong, supervisor of Youth Line, a hotline operated by the Hongkong Federation of Youth Groups.

'Bear in mind that parents, like you, also need time to get used to the changes,' Mr Ho said.

Communication is the best way to boost their confidence in you, both social workers said. Tell your parents about your school life.

When clashes happen, stay calm. 'You must explain why you want to do something,' Mr Cheung said. 'Arguing without reasoning will take you and your parents nowhere.'

Making new friends

Starting new friendships is vital for ensuring a good year ahead.

But it can be difficult, especially for Form Six students, as most of their classmates already know each other well.

'You must open up. If you keep to yourself from the start, it will only become tougher over time,' said Mr Ho.

Joining clubs or having lunch together are good starting points. The key words here are 'take the initiative'.

'Otherwise your classmates won't know what is good for you or when they should include you,' Mr Cheung said.

Attitude is also important, he added. 'Be humble when you make suggestions, or you may achieve the opposite.'

A different life

Form One students may be excited by the increase in the number of school clubs and subjects available. As there is no pressure from public exams, Mr Cheung's suggestion is to explore these new activities, but also remember to leave time for study.

Form Six students, however, may be overwhelmed by the demanding A-level syllabus and new responsibilities at school and outside.

For newcomers, there is the added hurdle of trying to get used to new teaching styles. With only a little more than a year to go, they may become tense and anxious.

'Don't give yourself too much pressure,' Mr Ho said. 'It does no good to run away from other activities. I have had cases who buried themselves in books and in the end felt uneasy because all those around them were taking up activities.'

If you are not happy with your HKCEE result, this is a good time to examine the way you study. It not only helps you handle your A-levels better, but also frees up more of your time for new responsibilities, Mr Ho said.

Problems ...

If you cannot understand the lessons, either because of the new teaching style or because English is used as the language of instruction, Mr Cheung's advice is to talk to your teacher.

Parents should be informed as well so that they can help, for example, by getting you a private tutor.

And if you are bullied, you must seek help fast. It is easier to tackle the problem early on, Mr Cheung said.



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