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Prepare for back to school with the essential items your teen will actually use
High School Essentials
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This time of year is always busy. Getting ready for back to school can feel endless, and when your child is in high school there are quite a few essentials to gather and pack. To make it easier, here’s a practical list compiled with input from teenagers — the items they actually use, want, and need for school.
High School Essentials Kit
School Bag
A good school bag is essential. Let your teen choose a bag they find comfortable and that suits their style — feeling confident about their belongings helps at this age. Make sure the bag is large enough to hold a packed lunch (if they take one) and sports kit, so they can carry everything in one bag while travelling to, from, and around school.
Pens
Stock up on basic pens — black, blue, red, and green. Ordinary biro-style pens are fine; don’t spend a lot on fancy pens because they tend to get lost. Have plenty on hand so there’s always a spare when one disappears.
Pencil Case
The pencil case should be something the teen likes and feels comfortable carrying. Avoid designs that feel too childish or overly flashy; it should fit in with their style at school. Let them pick it themselves so it actually gets used.
Pencils
Get a selection of pencils in HB, H, B, and 2B — and buy extras, since pencils get lost easily. Cheap pencils are fine for everyday use. Also include coloured pencils, which are useful for projects, diagrams, and highlighting notes.
Oxford Maths Set – High School Essentials
A complete maths set is essential. Ideally have one set for daily school use and a spare kept at home for exams. That way you avoid last-minute trips to the shops when an exam arrives and a key item is missing.
Scientific Calculator – High School Essentials
A scientific calculator is non-negotiable for maths classes and many science lessons. Make sure your teen brings it to every relevant lesson to avoid missing out on work or getting into trouble for incomplete notes.
A4 Note Pads
Always keep at least one A4 notepad in the bag. It’s invaluable for taking class notes, jotting down homework, and planning revision.
Highlighter Pens
Highlighters are essential for annotating texts, marking key points in notes, and organising revision materials. Keep a set in bright, contrasting colours to make study sessions easier.
Tipex
A bottle or tape corrector is always useful for fixing mistakes neatly. It’s a small item that helps keep work tidy.
Glue Sticks
Glue sticks are useful for class projects and homework. Buy several, since they can dry out or get misplaced. They’re inexpensive and worth having extras available.
You might also want to check a list of school bag essentials tailored for girls to add a few extra items alongside books and school supplies.
Save these high school essentials for later — they make packing for the new term much easier.
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