Transition to high school safely

Transitioning to high school often means new routes, different transport options, and greater independence. It provides opportunities for students to develop decision-making, problem-solving, and safe travel skills on their journey to and from school.

Parents and carers can support their child’s safe travel by helping them develop road safety knowledge, practising safe travel behaviours, and planning the journey to and from school together.

Schools can support students in transitioning safely to high school by providing ongoing discussions and guidance throughout Year 6 and Year 7.

Key topics to address:

• Exploring new modes of transport – understanding options such as walking, cycling, public transport, or car travel and how to keep safe.
• Learning new routes – familiarising students with the safest and most efficient paths to and from school.
• Planning alternative routes (‘Plan B’) – preparing for unexpected changes such as roadworks, delays, or adverse weather.
• Identifying potential hazards – discussing common challenges and practising problem-solving for different scenarios encountered along the journey.

This collaborative approach enables students to build confidence and develop practical skills necessary for independent and safe travel.

Resources for schools

• Starting High School Safely - Year 7 road safety presentation PowerPoint (9.4MB)

An editable presentation that supports schools with providing clear, contextualised road safety information to parents and carers. It can be used as a part of transition/orientation to school programs.

• Starting high school safely template Word (421KB)

An editable flyer that can be used in conjunction with the ‘Starting High School safely: Year 7 road safety presentation’ or as a stand-alone. It supports schools with providing clear, contextualised road safety information to parents and carers.

• Information for travelling independently

The webpage offers students practical advice for travelling to school independently, including helpful tips for walking, riding, and using public transport safely, which can be discussed with parents and carers to help plan and practise safe journeys together.

• Parent and carer hub: Safe travel

The webpage provides parents and carers with guidance on supervising school travel, reinforcing road safety habits, accessing educational resources, and answers to common questions about children’s safe and independent journeys to and from school.

Additional resources

• Starting high school

Department’s guide and resources for starting high school.