Surviving Secondary School
Created | Updated May 22, 2005
Oh, by the way, this is based on the worst case situation. School isn't always this bad, but it could be.
1: Primary Ideals
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When you first go into school. Your first instincts are to be shy and curious. This is all fine and well, as everyone else does the same (kids are a sort of hive mind, all working off one idea). But after a while, things start to get awry.
The prime traits for survival are Paranoia, common sense, and quick reactions.
Paranoia: Never trust anyone too much, after all, they wouldnt trust you. This should not be displayed, as it might discourage others from socialising with you.
Common Sense: Is varied as it is vital. Be tactful in your verbal skills, as one wrong move could make an enemy, or a painful injury in your stomach appear suddenly and sharply. If you dont trust somebody, think about trusting them if the oppertunity comes up. hopefully, you'll be paranoid enough not to take the offer.
Quick Reactions: Time is important. Knowing when to duck is vital, as projectiles can cross the classroom as frequent as 1-4 times a minute, there trajectories often being interrupted by your head.
2: Equipment
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You should always be prepared. The following is of the essence when in school.
Bag: Rucksacks are best, as they can carry things without being too much of a hindrance to movement. Large ones provide cover from things as well.
Pen,Pencil,Ruler: The three things that are used most in a lesson. at the start of the year, you may get a message saying " calculator, compasses, pertractor, etc" but they are just small change compared to these.
A Watch: Time is of the essence. Tells you when to prepare to leave a lesson, when youve gotta run for the bus, or wait for it.
Lunch: Don't trust canteen food, you may like it but the que isnt worth it. Make sure you know whats in your box.
Spare Paper: Can be lent to friends to make a variety of objects (balls, planes, boxes, etc) and used in a pinch for when youve forgotten books or homework. Ill explain the main source of it later.
Books: Whatever you can find really. You'll probably get it right, and something will turn up.
3: Getting to know your way around
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When you enter school, you'll get a timetable with teacher names, rooms, and lessons. Most primary schools have all the lessons in one room, so this will take some getting used to.
Most classes shall have shortened names, like LG2 or MS9 or such. This is designed clearly to confuse, but a few steps make it all understandable.
The letters can stand for the building or floor. So AG would be almanac building, ground floor. Once you mastered those two, you should find the rest comes easily. Some schools label doors, but this can be unreliable as wear and tear rubs this sort of thing off.
Toilets, Canteens, and other useful commodoties are dotted around the school. I would suggest NOT using these toilets, especially for a number 2. The locks are broken, the stench unbearable, so keep it in.
Lessons are also orientated by the part of the school. Some floors are clearly for english, others maths, others humanities. Some areas are all computers, others science blocks.
Room changes can also effect. You should get a warning, either posted outside the classroom, or in registration. If you miss either, check it out at records.