Transition to high school
What to expect, advice and support for families transitioning from primary school to high school.
Transition to high school programs
Many schools begin a transition program during Term 3 and 4 of Year 6. Make sure you attend any orientation or ‘meet the teacher’ events offered by your school. It will make Year 7 easier if you know what to expect, how the school works and who to talk to about issues. Staying in touch with your child’s progress may be harder than primary school as they may have a different teacher for each subject.
Transition to Year 7 assessment
Your child may undertake the optional Transition to Year 7 assessment at the beginning of high school. They can take this assessment if they didn't complete their Check-in assessment in Year 6.
The Transition to Year 7 assessment helps identify students who may require additional support in the development of key literacy and numeracy skills. Teachers also use a range of other assessments to identify students’ literacy and numeracy learning needs to teach the skills they need.
Support and additional needs
If your child has additional learning and wellbeing needs, talk to your primary school about your child’s transition to high school. They should be able to help you start a conversation with the high school, to set up the right support for your child.
Aboriginal students
In some communities, there are tailored transition programs working to enhance the educational outcomes for Aboriginal students. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander parents and carers are encouraged to participate in the development of their child’s Personalised Learning Pathway (PLP). For more information about tailored transition programs and PLPs, contact your school.
Support for students who are learning English as an additional language or dialect
Schools provide support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) to assist their full participation in schooling.
High-school-age students in the early phases of learning English may be eligible to receive intensive English language tuition in an Intensive English Centre or Intensive English Class.
Contact your school to discuss how they meet the needs of EAL/D learners.
Inclusive education in schools
Inclusive education ensures all that students, regardless of differences, can fully participate in learning with their peers.
The NSW Department of Education values diverse school communities and is dedicated to creating an inclusive education system that includes every student, regardless of disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, nationality, language, gender, sexual orientation, or faith. This is done by making customised changes and using teaching methods that address the specific needs of each student
Our culture, policies, and everyday practices support the integration of inclusion throughout school life.