Back to school: How are you feeling about going back?
Starting Secondary school
Some of you might be starting a new term and a new school. There are still lots of things to look forward to. It's a chance to make new friends and experience new lessons and clubs.
If you don't know anyone in your new school remember there are lots of children who will be in the same situation as you.Check out these tips from pupils who have gone through it.What are you looking forward to about going back to school, let us know in the comments below.
Tips for going back to school
Whether you are starting a new school or going back to your old one, the break during the summer may make you feel like you arse starting all over again. Have you got everything you need? What's your first class? Here are some tips to keep you on track. Get organised- Make sure you have pens, notebooks and a pencil case all ready. This might mean going shopping for shiny new stationary, but you can also still use what you already have - if you can find it!Make a plan - Do you know your new timetable? If you've been given it maybe write it down on your phone or have it printed out so you know where you'll be going.
Get some sleep - In the days before going back try to get back to a regular sleeping pattern. Lack of sleep can make it hard to concentrate. Eat well - Start the day with a healthy breakfast and don't forget to eat a good lunch and dinner as well. Drink plenty of water as well so don't forget your water bottle!Get ready the night before - Packing your school bag and laying out your clothes the evening before could take away some of the stress of your first day. Enjoy yourself - If you are returning to school it's a chance to see some people you haven't seen for a while and if you are starting a new school it's a chance to meet new people so have fun and be yourself!What are you looking forward to about going back to school, let us know in the comments below.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
16 minutes ago
- The Independent
Autistic student achieves dream of going to university
A neurodivergent young woman who once doubted she could cope in a classroom is heading to university, with the dream of caring for children with additional needs. Carriad Lewis, 22, has secured a place to study early years education at Cardiff Metropolitan University after completing her Level 3 qualification in children's care, play, learning and development. Ms Lewis, from Tonyrefail, once believed she would be unable to cope in the classroom. Diagnosed with autism at 20, she struggled through school with social interaction and communication, and the idea of returning to a classroom felt overwhelming. Ms Lewis said: 'Starting college was a really big step for me, especially with my autism. 'I've always found social situations and new environments difficult, so the idea of stepping into a classroom full of people I didn't know was really daunting. 'I was nervous about whether I'd be understood or if I'd be able to cope with the demands of the course.' Despite her fears, Ms Lewis was determined to push beyond her comfort zone and praised the teachers at Coleg y Cymoedd, who she described as 'patient and kind'. 'For the first time, I felt like I didn't have to mask who I was,' she said, 'I could just be myself while learning and growing. 'That experience has given me the confidence to take the next step, and now I'm really excited to go to university and do something to make a difference for other children.' Now, Ms Lewis is looking ahead to university. She said: 'When my cousin was diagnosed with autism, it really cemented my belief that I could help others who face similar challenges. 'I want to create a nursery where all children – especially those with additional needs – feel seen, supported and safe. 'I know what it's like to grow up feeling different and misunderstood. 'I want to be the person I needed when I was younger.' Ms Lewis is not the only student at Coleg y Cymoedd who has overcome adversity to achieve their dreams of going to university. Keira Swain, 18, an aspiring filmmaker from Mountain Ash, who struggled following the death of her mother, did not think university would be an option for her. Ms Swain said: 'My mum passed away just as I was due to start college and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. 'At first, I didn't want to focus on it, so I threw myself into work as a distraction. 'But underneath it all, I was really struggling. 'I didn't think I had a future, let alone one at university.' Ms Swain said her tutors noticed her struggles and encouraged her to accept support. She said: 'I realised I could use what I'd been through to push myself harder and achieve my goals. 'I wanted to do well for my mum – to make her proud.' Ms Swain went on to thrive in her studies and is now going to study film at Aberystwyth University. Oliver Edmunds, 18, used the grief he had after losing his father as motivation for launching his own fitness brand. The Caerphilly teenager, who was 10 years old when his father died, used the gym to help him get through difficult moments. Having completed his Level 3 BTec business course at Coleg, he is preparing to launch OE Fitness, with the aim of helping others find the same mental wellbeing he did. Mr Edmunds said: 'Fitness changed everything for me. 'The gym helped me get through the hardest moments of my life and I don't know where I'd be without it. 'I think my life would look very different if my friend hadn't suggested I go with him for a session all those years ago. 'It gave me purpose, discipline, and helped me to build a support network. 'It had a really positive impact on my mental health, I now want to help others find that same strength.' Mr Edmunds was inspired to create his own business having watched his father run his own guitar shop and wants to follow in his footsteps. He said: 'After he passed away, it became even more important to me to create something meaningful and a way to honour his memory. 'Starting my own business in fitness just felt like the right fit for me.' Mr Edmunds added: 'I built a strong support network in college and I'm in the position I am today because of that. 'Without the advice and encouragement I received, I don't think I'd have had the confidence to pursue this path. 'They helped me believe in the idea and in myself.'
Daily Mail
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Japanese knotweed is spreading more aggressively than ever thanks to recent bouts of warm weather, expert warns
Aggressive Japanese knotweed is thriving and spreading faster than usual this summer, experts have warned. The plant, which can grow up to 10cm (4 inches) per day, is reaching its peak season. Knotweed specialists said prolonged warm weather has created ideal growing conditions, with late August and early September being prime time for flowering. The invasive plant is notorious for its huge roots which can stretch 3 metres (10ft) deep and towering bamboo–like stems which can tear through brickwork and concrete. Left unchecked, it can quickly take over gardens and cause long–term damage. Across the UK, there are now over 100,000 infestations recorded annually. Invasive plant control experts from Japanese Knotweed Specialists have urged homeowners to identify the problem early and protect their gardens at this key time of year. So, how can you tell if you need to take immediate action? The experts said key indicators to look out for in summer months are white to cream–coloured flowers which grow 6 to 15cm long, with a feathery look. Heart–shaped leaves could also be a warning sign, they said. These are broad with a pointed tip, growing alternately along the stem. You should also look out for hollow, bamboo–like stems that are green, red or purple, they warned, which form dense thickets. According to the specialists, Japanese knotweed affects an estimated one in 20 homes and can cut property value by up to 15 per cent. As well as growing deep into the ground, roots can grow 7m (23ft) sideways, making it a hazard for neighbours as well. Catching it during flowering season, when it is more visible and active, is vital, they said. Even though stems start to die back in autumn, the underground system stays ready to regrow. Acting in summer gives you the best chance to stop it returning and, if you suspect an infestation, they recommend calling in the specialists. 'During the summer, Japanese knotweed reaches its fastest, most aggressive stage of growth, expanding rapidly and becoming harder to control,' a spokesman for Japanese Knotweed Specialists said. 'Spotting and dealing with it at this time of year is vital to prevent serious structural damage and stop it spreading further. 'Professional expertise makes all the difference, from accurately identifying the plant to applying the right treatments to stop regrowth. 'With the right approach, it's entirely possible to bring it under control, protect your property and avoid costly consequences.' They warned homeowners they shouldn't assume one treatment will solve the issue, as knotweed usually needs multiple treatments over several years. Cutting, mowing or even burning the plant won't eradicate the problem, as even tiny fragments can grow. Putting knotweed in household or garden waste can even cause new infestations, they explained. And even though it may seem to disappear in autumn and winter, the roots can remain active. The UK recently endured its fourth heatwave of the summer, prolonging the period of warm, dry weather. Emily Grant, director of Environet, previously explained that knotweed's fearsome capacity for growth is being helped by climate change. 'When we first started looking at knotweed 30 years ago, it wouldn't appear until May,' she said. 'But now climate change and warmer temperatures are seeing it come through whenever the light or temperature reaches the right level – sometimes as early as February.' JAPANESE KNOTWEED HAS BAMBOO-LIKE STEMS AND SMALL WHITE FLOWERS Japanese Knotweed is a species of plant that has bamboo-like stems and small white flowers. Native to Japan, it is considered an invasive species. The plant, scientific name Fallopia japonica, was brought to Britain by the Victorians as an ornamental garden plant and to line railway tracks to stabilise the soil. It has no natural enemies in the UK, whereas in Asia it is controlled by fungus and insects. In the US it is scheduled as an invasive weed in 12 states, and can be found in a further 29. It is incredibly durable and fast-growing, and can seriously damage buildings and construction sites if left unchecked. The weed strangles other plants and can kill entire gardens.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Shrewsbury-based men's charity restores town's benches and bins
Six town centre benches have been refurbished by a community group for Men's Shed provides space for men to meet, share skills and work on meaningful local was supported by the town council, Shropshire and the Shrewsbury BID group, which represents businesses, to purchase the equipment needed to carry out the work. The town council said the benches had been looking "worn and tired", and that the group has also started refurbishing litter bins. Rob Wilson, the leader of the council, added the work would "save thousands of pounds of public money compared to the cost of buying new bins". The work over the last few months has focused on the area around The Rouse, Chairman of Shrewsbury Men's Shed, said: "Restoring the benches has given our members a meaningful way to contribute their skills and energy to the town. "It's fantastic to see the results in place and being appreciated by the public." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
