Making the Best of Secondary School

Making the Best of Secondary School - CTS Essentials

This is a leaflet, rather than a book, aimed at children at Secondary School.  It is subtitled Some practical suggestions, and I really like it!

It starts with an introductory paragraph about school, education and the development of character, all in the context of 'whatever God has in store for us - marriage, parenthood, priesthood or religious life.'

It then goes on with a paragraph on Developing our abilities - essentially about perseverance - and one headed Jesus helps us, which addresses some of the pressures kids may encounter, and who to turn to.  The fourth paragraph concludes this context-setting with a reminder that our whole education needs to be seen in the light of our faith.

Then it really gets practical, firstly with Some tips about studying.  These are mainly practical, such as Make sure you know what is required, but conclude with Remember: God is close to us and we are always in his presence.


Then there is a brief Daily study prayer, and a wonderful section: Turn to the Saints.  This gives a different saint or two for many of the dilemmas and traumas children may encounter at school, in a problem/solution format.  For example: If you're being judged for your appearance, ask St Thomas Aquinas. He was fat and seemed slow to learn, but became one of the Church's finest thinkers. 


I showed this to Mike, our 14 year old boy, and he was enthused.  He particularly liked the tips, prayer and Saints sections - like me, he feels that this is where it lives up to its subtitle and offers practical suggestions.

If you have children at, and especially just starting, secondary school, I really recommend this.  And of course, if you're a teacher, you can buy a job lot for your whole class!