Transition

From primary school to Balwyn High School - making the move

Starting secondary school is a significant and challenging time for every child. Grade 6 students look forward to Year 7 with anticipation, excitement and sometimes, uncertainty.

Through our Transition Program we aim to secure a smooth and positive progression from primary school to secondary school. The Program engages that excitement by linking it to learning, and helps to establish certainties through developing an understanding of the school’s values and our high expectations of them as students. Sometimes the change is not always easy. Recognising that, the Balwyn High School Transition Program is tailored to meet the needs of all our Year 7 students.

• Prior to the arrival of our Year 7 students, Middle School teachers visit every feeder primary school to gather information about each student’s academic and social development. This information is used when organising Tutorial groups and assisting individual students.
• An Orientation Day in early December allows Grade 6 students to experience a day at Balwyn High School. On this day, Grade 6 students will meet key teachers, as well as other students who will be in their Tutorial groups. A comprehensive Welcome Booklet is provided so students can familiarise themselves with Balwyn High School.
• At the beginning of the school year, all Year 7 students participate in STEP (School Transition Enhancement Program) activities, learn about the importance of goal setting, establish the norms or expectations that their class will adopt for the rest of the year, and participate in an anti-bullying program.
• The Year 7 recreation area is equipped with sporting facilities and comfortable seating.
• A four-day Year 7 camp in Term 1 provides students with opportunities to extend cooperative skills. The camp is a time for key Year 7 staff and the student cohort to get to know each other as well as experience some great outdoor activities such as mountain bike riding and surfing.
• Regular communication is made with parents via meetings, newsletters, telephone calls and Student Planners. Using these avenues, we recognise students’ efforts and achievements, and alert parents to any concerns.
• The Director of Student Services, School Counsellor, Youth Worker, Chaplain and support staff provide care, advice and programs to students and families with specific needs.
• Parent involvement is facilitated through the Information Night held in December, a Welcome Night soon after the school year starts, and other activities throughout the year.
• Weekly year level assemblies establish group identity and provide a forum for communicating ideas, expectations, opportunities and information of relevance to the whole group. During these assemblies, student effort and achievement is publicly celebrated.
• Year 7 and Year 8 students are taught by fewer teachers than in later high school years, meaning there are more opportunities to develop strong, positive relationships because teachers and students come to know each other well.
• Year 7 and Year 8 teaching teams meet regularly to plan and deliver an innovative and stimulating curriculum using a variety of thinking strategies and tools.