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10 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Secondary Students

Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Secondary Students

The start of a new school year is the perfect opportunity to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re transitioning from Primary to Secondary school or preparing for a new academic year, having the right tools can make all the difference. At WRITERS AT WORK, we know that being well-prepared is the first step toward excelling in your studies. Here’s our guide to the 10 must-have back-to-school supplies to help you start strong and stay organised throughout the year.

1. A Sturdy, Functional Backpack

Your school bag is your everyday companion, so choosing a durable, stylish, and comfortable one is key. Look for backpacks with padded straps, multiple compartments, and a water-resistant finish to keep your books and electronics safe during rainy days. Brands like Herschel, Adidas, and Nike are popular among secondary students in Singapore for their trendy designs and reliable quality.

2. Quality Stationery for Note-Taking

Good notes are essential for effective studying, and having the right stationery can help you stay organised.
  • Pilot Frixion erasable pens are a lifesaver when correcting mistakes during quick note-taking.
  • Muji gel pens offer smooth writing, and their minimalist designs are a favourite for neat notes.
  • Invest in highlighters like Stabilo Boss Pastel for colour-coding key information.

With the right tools, you can create clear, concise notes to enhance your learning in class and at WRITERS AT WORK.

3. A Digital Planner or Physical Organiser

Stay on top of assignments, deadlines, and exam schedules with a planner. If you’re tech-savvy, apps like Google Calendar or Notion are great for digital planning. For those who prefer writing things down, planners from Kikki.K or Typo offer functional yet stylish options to keep your schedule in check.

At WRITERS AT WORK, we encourage students to stay organised so you can balance schoolwork, co-curricular activities, and family time effectively.

4. A Reliable Laptop or Tablet

In today’s digital learning environment, having a laptop or tablet is almost non-negotiable. Devices like the Apple iPad Air with an Apple Pencil or the Microsoft Surface Go are perfect for note-taking, e-learning, and research.

For secondary students, these devices allow easy access to resources like Google Classroom, Zoom, and educational tools that support your learning journey both in school and at WRITERS AT WORK.

5. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Whether you’re studying in a noisy home environment or focusing in a school library, noise-cancelling headphones can help you concentrate better. Brands like Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro are trending for their superior sound quality and noise reduction features. Use these to tune into audiobooks, online lessons, or even your favourite study playlists.

6. Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated improves focus and energy levels. A sturdy, eco-friendly water bottle is a must-have for school. Singaporean students love bottles from Hydro Flask and CamelBak for their durability, insulation, and stylish designs. A good water bottle ensures you’re refreshed throughout the day, whether in class or on the go.

7. A Scientific Calculator

For subjects like Mathematics and Science, a good calculator is essential. The Casio FX-97SG X remains the go-to option for secondary students in Singapore. It’s approved for examinations and offers features that make calculations faster and easier.

8. Durable File Folders and Notebooks

Keep your notes, worksheets, and assignments organised with file folders and high-quality notebooks. Opt for Leuchtturm1917 notebooks for their durability and excellent paper quality, or use Maruman clear folders to keep your worksheets neat and accessible. Staying organised will help you revise efficiently and avoid the last-minute scramble before tests.

9. A Portable Charger

Between long school days and busy schedules, a portable charger ensures your phone or tablet doesn’t run out of battery. Power banks from Anker or Xiaomi offer compact, high-capacity options perfect for students on the move. This way, you can stay connected for research, communication, or even accessing your homework online.

10. A Stylish Yet Practical PE Kit

Physical Education (PE) is a vital part of the school curriculum, so having a reliable PE kit is important. Choose lightweight and breathable sportswear from brands like Under Armour, Decathlon, or Puma. Pair it with comfortable running shoes such as the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus or Adidas Ultraboost to ace your PE lessons in style.

Ready for Success with WRITERS AT WORK

Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Secondary Students

Starting a new school year with the right supplies helps you focus on what truly matters – learning and growth. At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe in equipping students with the tools they need to excel, not just in school but in mastering the English language.

From creating effective study notes to improving your essay-writing skills, WRITERS AT WORK is here to support you every step of the way. Start strong, stay prepared, and make this school year your best one yet!

Attain Stellar Results with WRITERS AT WORK!

Does Your Child Need English Tuition? Here's How to Tell
English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS AT WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS AT WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Is Creative Writing Good for Kids?

Creative writing is good for children as it teaches them how to use their imagination. Children have a vivid imagination and will enjoy coming up with different storylines and characters. Through the use of creative writing, children can express themselves using the English language, which is also good for their emotional development and maturity.

2. What are Good Creative Writing Topics?

A good start is to write about what you know. Students can start by writing about things that are familiar to them, such as school or family. Then, students can move on to more complex topics, requiring them to use their imagination about events which would be unlikely to happen in real life, such as a fairytale or an adventure story. Older students can write descriptive essays about being in a situation or about more abstract concepts, such as regret.

3. How to Begin a Story?

A good story should have just the right amount of exposition to illuminate the setting and the characters for the reader without giving away the entire plot. The story should begin where it is relevant, and the general gist of the situation should be outlined. The writer should know how to move the plot along from where they start easily, and the story should flow logically.

4. What are the Basic Steps in Creative Writing?

A good first step would be to plan out the story – it is important that the story follows a Plot Curve which has a logical sequence of events and a clear conclusion. The main and supporting characters should be clear – there should not be a whole village of characters – just enough to further the plot. Moreover, the central conflict of the story should be clear.

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