Adolescence is the exciting, yet stressful time, when your child transitions into adulthood. It is a time in which we see our learners blossom and grow. Many rapid changes and developments take place during this time, and it’s not always a smooth ride. Through the physical, cognitive and psychological changes, your child will be developing their identities and exploring their passions as they make sense of who they are and where they belong.

Below are some of the developmental changes we can expect to see during this time:

• Peer relationships can become unsettled for girls, and for boys these relationships can become increasingly competitive or fragile

• Many experience bouts of unexplained moodiness and irritability (emotional ups and downs can lead to increased conflict within peer group and family)

• Prefers to spend time with peers rather than family

• Makes choices about appearance and interests based on the approval of friends (parental influence remains important on long-term decisions, such as career choices, values and morals)

• Is self-conscious, especially about physical appearance and bodily changes

• Is beginning to explore the idea of gender identity which may include a ‘romance’ or special relationship (usually not intimate)

• Begins to think more abstractly and question different points of view

• Questions parental decisions (can be seen as argumentative, but this shows your child is maturing)

• Seeks more independence in decision-making, but is still learning about consequences of actions and needs parents and teachers to guide and set limits

• Develops a stronger set of values and morals

(M. Carr-Gregg, 2014) 

As our learners experience these changes we will support them to:

• take risks in a safe and inclusive learning environment

• have the courage to learn news skills 

• make the most of academic, sporting and cultural opportunities within and beyond the classroom