Teacher's tips on starting school

I just moved to a new school but no-one wants to be friends with me. How do I make friends?

There are lots of ways... Why not speak to the people you're sitting next to in class, before and after class - you've got a captive audience. Find out what clubs there are at lunchtime and go to something you're interested in. You've got to be brave and say "hello - what's your name?" It's difficult but you've got to do it. You'll feel great afterwards.

I've just started at a new boarding school. Do you have any tips for not getting homesick?

First thing, if you didn't feel homesick, there'd be something wrong! Remember that everyone's homesick, but some people are better at hiding it than others. The main tips are keep yourself busy, talk to people when you're feeling lonely, and ring home regularly.

Any hints as to how I can get better organised?

Pack your bags the night before, by looking at your timetable and putting the right books in your bag. A golden rule is to do the homework the night that it's set, not the night before it's due in. That will avoid a crisis when it all builds up. If you've got a homework diary, write all your homework in it, write down the date it's due, and cross it out when you've done it.

I'm 13 and have just left my secondary school because I was unhappy there. I start at a new school on Monday but I'm really shy and I'm terrified I won't make any friends. How can I become more confident?

It's really hard introducing yourself to people, especially if they've already got friends. But as the new person, you are likely to be a celebrity for a week or so. Use your celebrity status before it fades, by talking to people and being nice. Avoid people who are too loud. As a new person, you are very unlikely to be ignored, so talk to people who talk to you.

I've got a teacher who keeps picking on me - is there anyway I can make them stop?

I wonder why the teacher keeps picking on you? Are you doing anything to attract attention? Why don't you try, for a few lessons, not talking to anyone when you're not supposed to, focusing on your work, and not calling out. If after two weeks the teacher still picks on you, then maybe you should speak to your form tutor or your head of year.

How would you motivate someone who hated school?

You've got to think why you're at school. You're at school to develop as a person, to prepare yourself for adult life, and to gain qualifications. Focusing on these three aims will help. Set yourself clear and easy targets, such as attending every day, joining an extra-curricular activity, or getting praise from a particular teacher. Unfortunately the responsibility to do all this is yours, but on the other hand, the person who reaps the rewards of a successful school career will be you. Focus on the end goal.

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