Starting Year 7

Starting high school is an exciting milestone for students and their families. We understand that moving from Year 6 to Year 7 brings new experiences, routines and opportunities.

At Georges River College Hurstville Campus, we work closely with students, families and primary schools to make the transition to high school positive, welcoming and well supported. Our transition program helps students become familiar with their new school, build friendships and connections, develop confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging.

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 Year 7 transition program

Our transition program begins before students start high school. We work closely with our local primary schools, students and families to help every child feel prepared, confident and connected.

During Year 6, transition opportunities may include:

school tours and orientation activities to become familiar with our campus and facilities
transition days and classroom visits to experience learning at high school
subject tasters that introduce students to new subjects and learning experiences
parent and carer information sessions to answer questions and provide important information about starting high school
opportunities to meet teachers, key staff and other students
peer activities with older students to help build connections and confidence.

Families receive practical information about school routines, uniforms, timetables, lunches, communication and what to expect when their child begins Year 7 Interpreters can be arranged for families who require them.

Once Year 7 begins, transition continues after students walk through the school gates for the first time.

During the first weeks of Year 7, students participate in our GRIT (Georges River Integrated Transition) Program. GRIT helps students settle into high school, learn how to navigate the campus, understand school routines, rules and expectations, build positive relationships and develop the skills and confidence they need for secondary school.

Our transition program is designed to ensure students don't simply start high school. They feel that they belong here.

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Year 7 Orientation

Year 7 Orientation Day is an important part of helping students feel confident and prepared for high school.

Held before students commence Year 7, Orientation Day gives students the opportunity to experience life at Georges River College Hurstville Campus, become familiar with the school and begin making connections with staff and other students.

During the day, students will:

explore the school and become familiar with key areas
meet their Year Adviser, teachers and wellbeing staff
meet other Year 7 students and begin building friendships
experience a range of learning and transition activities
learn about school routines, expectations and opportunities
ask questions and prepare for their first day of high school.

Orientation Day is one part of our broader Year 7 Transition Program. Support continues when students commence Year 7 through our GRIT (Georges River Integrated Transition) Program and ongoing wellbeing and learning support.

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