Starting Year 7

Starting high school is an exciting and transformative milestone for both students and their families. The shift from Year 6 to Year 7 can bring big changes, but we’re here to make the transition smooth, empowering every student to feel confident, supported, and ready to thrive in their new journey.

Find out more in the Getting ready for high school guide.

Before your child starts Year 7

What to expect in high school

High school brings new experiences and routines, including:

a larger school with more subjects, teachers and classrooms
a timetable with different lessons each day
moving between classrooms and carrying books and equipment
more independence and responsibility for homework and study
new friendships and opportunities to join activities and clubs.

Enrolment interview

Before your child begins, families may be asked to meet with our principal. This is a time to share:

medical conditions or allergies
family circumstances that may affect your child’s start
any learning or wellbeing needs.

We will also explain the supports our school provides, such as:

support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through personalised learning pathways
extra support for students learning English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D)
support for students with disability or other learning needs through inclusive education programs.

Learn more about additional learning support and enrolment requirements at our school.

Our transition program

We work closely with local primary schools to help students feel ready. Our transition to high school programs help Year 6 students get ready for Year 7. Activities may include:

GRIT (Georges River Integrated Transition) Program to help students learn to navigate the school and our rules and expectations
orientation days and school tours
parent information sessions and meet the teacher events
subject tasters, transition days and classroom visits
peer support activities with older students.

Students, parents and carers can join these sessions to learn about daily schedules, uniforms, lunches and communication. If you need an interpreter, let us know.

Year 7 Orientation

Year 7 Orientation Day is an important part of the transition to Georges River College Hurstville Campus.

Held before students commence Year 7, the day provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the school, meet teachers and other students, explore the campus and learn about what to expect when starting high school.

Students participate in a range of activities designed to help them:

become familiar with the school environment and daily routines
meet their Year Adviser, teachers and key wellbeing staff
connect with other students and begin building friendships
learn about learning, wellbeing and extracurricular opportunities
develop confidence and feel prepared for their first day of high school.

Orientation Day is part of our broader Year 7 transition program, which continues when students commence at Hurstville Campus through our GRIT program and ongoing wellbeing support.

Our aim is for every student to begin Year 7 feeling welcomed, connected and confident.