The Mix’s back-to-school guide

No matter what age you are, going back to school is a nerve-wracking experience. Throw a global pandemic into The Mix (pun intended) and things get way more complicated. Read our advice on heading back to school after lockdown to help get you through it.

Disclaimer: this article was originally written in March 2021. Since then, the government’s response to the pandemic has continued to evolve. Although a lot of our advice for managing the practical and emotional impact of the pandemic whilst returning to school still stands, you may also like to check out our coronavirus support hub for further help and information.

How has school in the UK changed due to the pandemic?

As well as wrapping your head around the new timetable and your first pieces of in-person homework, you’ll be in a socially-distanced classroom. This means that you’ll have queues to get in, tape markers on the floor and a whole new set of rules to learn. Thankfully we have some of them laid out right here in this back to school guide (UK edition): 

• Since every school has a different layout, e.g. boarding schools have to deal with students living there and independent schools usually have donors they’ll have to answer to, every school will have a slightly different structure. But the common goal is to make the environment as clean and safe as possible. 
• Schools will ask students to wear masks in communal areas and in classrooms (unless you are exempt).
• Lots of classes will be going back to the bubble system. Essentially students and staff will be separated into bubble groups, to avoid the spreading of germs. 
• Teachers and staff will also be wearing masks.
• There’ll be regular testing two or three times a week to prevent the virus being spread. In case you’re curious, you can find out more about how testing will work by reading this BBC article. 

How to cope with returning to school during the pandemic

Our counselling team says “We know it’s easier said than done but try to focus on the positive stuff. And if you’re still feeling anxious or uncertain the follow these steps: 

1. Close your eyes and remember a really good day at school. 
2. Keep ‘em shut and take your time experiencing that day again. 
3. See what you saw, hear what you heard, feel what you felt back then, as if it’s happening right now. 
4. You can keep your eyes closed as long as you feel you want to stay in that happy, safe place. 
5. Trying this a few times a day helps you get better at bringing the good memories to life.”

Even if this works but you still need a chat, remember that you can reach out to our team any time for support and advice. Alternatively, if you’re a sixth form or university student, read our article on what student life will be like after lockdown.

If you’re anxious about going to school during the pandemic

Thinking, and even overthinking, about heading back to in-person learning is a totally normal response to everything you’re going through. Luckily, there are loads of things you can do to feel prepared: 

• Ask any questions that come to your mind. We promise there’s no such thing as a stupid one.
• Be patient with yourself. It’s totally okay if you forget to queue the first lesson back, you’ll remember next time.
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for a study break and take some time to calm down. 
• Read our article on coping with uncertainty about school and exams. 
• Things might feel different but not everything has changed! Your teachers and your friends are the same people you’ve known since before the world turned upside down. Make sure to lean on them if things get to be too much.
• If your anxiety levels are constantly getting higher then read our guide to dealing with panic attacks. 

If you’re worried about catching coronavirus at school

Something that your open day and/or welcome to secondary school in the UK guide didn’t cover? A global pandemic. 

Understandably, you might also feel worried about getting ill. First, we should mention that your school will be doing everything within its power to keep you safe. Having said that, there are also things you can do to take control of the situation:

• Talk to someone. We’re willing to bet that lots of your friends will feel the same as you. 
• Let your friends know your personal boundaries e.g., you’re okay with shaking hands but not hugging.
• Ask your parents or a teacher to help you come up with a plan to help you feel safe. 

As an added bonus, our counselling team says that you should try to “find out about the measures in place to keep everyone safe and find a way to help out with them.” 

If you’re feeling stressed about exams and doing well

The most important thing to remember is that your value is not determined by some letter you get given based on some test you did in two hours during a random day. What that means is that you’re so much more than a grade. So instead of focusing on metrics, try:

• Making a list of all the things you like about yourself and read it back whenever you feel worried about your academic performance. Exams aren’t everything. 
• Try not to compare yourself to others; you’re unique which means that you work at your own pace. After all, if we all just did the exact same thing, the world would be a pretty boring place.

Our counselling team says “our one piece of advice when it comes to academic pressure is to ignore anyone who says this is your only chance. The only thing you won’t have a second chance at is experiencing being a teenager again, so make the most of that.”

How to stay focussed at school during the pandemic

We totally get it. It’s tough focussing on revision under normal circumstances. And now it all just seems kind of pointless. So if you aren’t able to work hard all the time, that’s ok. Take it in baby steps. First and foremost, just make sure you’re looking after yourself. This includes: 

• Going to bed before 11pm. Moan all you like but we guarantee that you’ll have better concentration if you’re well-rested. 
• Have regular breaks and exercise to get those endorphins flowing. 
• Study with friends online, or in the library. A change of scenery can do wonders for focus.
• Ask your family to help you with a revision timetable. 
• And possibly the most important of all the tips – If you’re struggling academically or personally, don’t bottle it all up inside. Always ask for help.

The Mix would like to thank our partner, Schuh, for their support in producing this article.