Primary and High School: What’s The Difference?

So, you’re about to enter the big, bad world of high school, hey? (Okay, it might be big, but it’s really not that bad.)

Here are one hundred (read: five) ways that high school is different to primary school - and why that’s a good thing. You’re movin’ on up in the world!

Classes

You’ll know by now that a main difference between primary school and high school is that you go from having one long day split up into different areas of teaching (for example, Maths and English) to having structured classes for each subject, called periods.

When I was in Year 7, my classes were English, Maths, History, Geography, Art, French and Music. Sewing, Cooking, Metalwork, Woodwork and Drama came in later years. Being exposed to such a range of subjects allowed me to finally figure out what my passions were and start thinking about the big picture: what I was good at, what I loved and what I might want to do as a career.

Teachers

Similarly, different classes mean different teachers, and different teachers means learning from a bunch of people who have totally different learning styles, life experiences and areas of expertise. Pretty cool.

I found that high school meant forming bonds with teachers unlike any I’d made during primary school. Some of my high school teachers became mentors both in and out of the classroom, helping me with not only schoolwork, but also university and career choices. Treat your teachers right, and they’ll become invaluable.

Electives

Possibly the best part of my high school experience was choosing electives, which let you tailor subjects to your interests and strengths. Once I got to Years 11 and 12, I selected Art, Legal Studies, Business Studies and Extension 1 and 2 English.

Extension 2 English and Art allowed me to focus on single projects I could work on for much of my final year, and that freedom in creativity was amazing. Year 7 provides the perfect opportunity to start scoping out what you love, and think about what you might like to pursue in later years of high school.

Homework and Assignments

Now, this one’s a big change. Primary school homework is a very different ball game to the kinds of homework and assignments you’ll be expected to complete in high school.

I found the switch to regular homework for multiple subjects and assignments a tough one. I needed to learn time management and organisation, especially for assignments that were due close together. Here’s the trick: using different coloured folders for every subject to store all worksheets and handouts, creating a study timetable to make sure I set aside enough time for each subject, and recording all due dates in a diary.

Friends

Last, but certainly not least, high school means the chance to add to, expand or change your friendship group. This can be scary. It’s also one of the most liberating things about a new chapter. I know that some of the friends I met in high school will remain my friends for life. The great thing is, while you’re figuring out who you are and what you like, you can also work out which people you want to grow with.

Photo: NBC.